When the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District’s Tennyson Park pump track officially opened in September 2025 as part of the district-wide improvements made possible by Measure F1, one young rider was more ready than anyone. Maxene “Max” Alvarado, a six-year-old BMX rider, had been waiting nearly a year for that day–and she wasted no time putting the track to use.

We first met Max at the pump track’s grand opening, where her confidence and speed quickly stood out. Competing as an expert in her age bracket, Max’s journey into BMX began early, inspired by her father, Harve. On weekends, Harve would head out to ride road and mountain bikes with friends, and three-year-old Max often asked, “Where is Daddy going?” Wanting to spend more time together, she began riding a Strider balance bike—then quickly progressed to pedals.

On a sunny afternoon at Tennyson Park, we met up with Max making fast laps around the track, stopping only briefly to ask her dad where the older boys were–the ones she likes to race, and beat. At just 44-pounds, she flies into the berms with fearless precision. Berms–banked, curved corners designed to help riders carry speed–are her favorite part of the track, especially the steep turns that reward confidence and control.

Max and her siblings are homeschooled and spend much of their time outdoors. Homeschooling was a family choice that emphasizes movement and exploration, over screens. Harve says the family loves seeing other kids outside too, riding bikes and discovering the joy of active play.

Before the pump track was built, Max and her dad often visited Mia’s Dream Come True All Abilities Playground near their home in South Hayward. One day, they noticed a sign announcing that a pump track was “coming soon.” For Max, already an avid BMX competitor, it was thrilling news. Each visit after that included a stop at the Sulphur Creek overlook, where Max eagerly watched the track take shape, just minutes from home.

Max previously had to travel as far as Menlo Park and South San Francisco to train regularly. With the opening of the larger pump track at Tennyson Park, that long commute is no longer necessary. Harve credits the local track with supporting Max’s continued growth as an athlete, noting that the rhythm section (loops of rolling terrain) in particular has helped her sharpen her skills and consistency.

Beyond her competitive success, Max is known for her friendliness and encouragement toward other riders. She inspires kids in her homeschool community and beyond to ride, train, and try something new. She even bonded with her best friend through their shared love of bikes. Asked what advice she would give to aspiring riders, Max doesn’t hesitate: “You can do it—just believe in yourself.”

For Max and her family, the pump track represents more than a place to ride. They are grateful to the voters who supported Measure F1 and to the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District for creating spaces that encourage kids to be active, healthy, and head outdoors. For Max, it’s a dream realized—one fast lap at a time.

Tennyson Park is located at 28377 Huntwood Ave, Hayward, CA 94544

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To learn more about Measure F1-funded projects and how these investments are working across our parks and facilities, visit our HARD at Work page.