Volunteer Opportunities

Why Volunteer

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) gives community members the chance to engage and serve their community by volunteering. Volunteers are a valuable part of making our programs better and more fun. 

When you volunteer, you can: 

  • Get work experience
  • Earn school credit
  • Learn new skills
  • Make new friends
  • Help others
  • Have fun!

We need volunteers to help with our Senior Programs, Special Events, Nature Programs, programs for people with Special Needs, and more. 

Getting Involved


We have different volunteer spots throughout the year for ages 12 and up. Some jobs may have age requirements, that will be listed. If you have a younger volunteer you would like to join you, please email us at volunteer@haywardrec.org.  

You can volunteer on your own or as part of a group.  

Some special event listings are just for a day, while service projects will require a 6-month or longer commitment. 

We also review desired opportunities in the community through the service project application feature. (link to CERVIS Service Projects) If you have an idea for how you want to help, just let us know! 

Note: Volunteers with court orders should follow the District process, please email info@haywardrec.org for more information. 

Get started volunteering in 3 Easy Steps: 

Step 1:  Create a new profile or log in to your existing profile.

  • Create a new profile if you do not have one. All of your information is secure and will not be shared with outside parties.
  • Once have created your profile, please do not create a duplicate profile. Log in from the Events page  and search for your profile by your email address and update any information that may be out of date.

2. View Available Opportunities

  • Events  are one-time opportunities, such as special events.
  • Service Projects are ongoing opportunities, including the Senior Center, Special Needs and Adaptive Programs, Nature Programs and Theatre Ticket Ushers.

3. Sign up to Volunteer

Once you have logged into your new or existing profile, go to the listing you are interested in and click on "Register."

  • For one-time Events, you can choose your shift if applicable. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a confirmation for all the events you signed up for.
  • For ongoing Service Projects, please submit an interest form/application, and then you will be contacted by District staff.

Manage your Profile 

From either the Events or the Service Projects menu, select "Register for an Event / Apply for a Service Project or Manage Your Profile" to update your contact information, interests, or to view the events you are signed up for. 

Important Legal Information 

All volunteers for the Hayward Area Recreation & Park District are required to complete a volunteer profile and sign off on the Terms and Conditions prior to participating in any volunteer project or event. Volunteer Agreements for youth under age 18 must be signed off on by a parent or guardian.  

Service project volunteers are required to undergo a background check, TB risk assessment, and receive additional onboarding materials or trainings as appropriate for the program area. Volunteers can not begin their service until all onboarding steps have been completed. 

Contact 

Verification of community service hours are emailed by request upon completion of the volunteer event. Email Volunteer Program