Administration

Independent Special District

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) is an independent special district sanctioned under California Law for the performance of local government functions, which often cross political boundary lines such as City and County borders. HARD is the state's largest parks and recreation special district and serves a common community of interest. HARD's boundaries cover not only the City of Hayward but also include Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, and other unincorporated areas such as Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview. HARD is considered an independent special district because the District is directly accountable to our constituents, not another layer of local government, and has an elected board that sets policy.
 
Throughout California, special districts are much more than local service providers. These local agencies are directly accountable to their residents and are passionate about providing high-quality services and resources most efficiently and effectively. Find out more about special districts' impact and how they benefit the millions of Californians that use their services by visiting: Districts Make the Difference and find other special districts by visiting the California Special Districts Association mapping program.