Five stars because it costs no yen…read more As far as Japanese gardens go, this one is my least favorite because it is rectangular, with a visible metal fence perimeter, with ugly trash and graffiti visible from across the creek and no opportunities to feed the koi fish. Three things, though, that make it special is that they have memorial plaques, stray cats, and blowtorched wood for an aged and weather-resistant finish. From 1913-1962, the site was a practice site for farming and raising livestock for Hayward Union High. It became a garden by the late 1970s, and when dedicated in 1980, focusing on botany (with plants donated by local Japanese-American nurseries) rather than religion. Every first Saturday at 1pm there's a free lecture/tour. It's not especially beautiful or big (3.5 acres) or exciting (the few people I saw there were on their phones), but it's a peaceful, clean area. I think informational displays could help people enjoy it more. Or phone chargers. Information like, many of the wooden connections (including the main entry gate) have notches instead of notches to fit together like puzzle pieces. This more authentic approach prevents rust. Or, the garden uses the Shakkei technique: when you can stand at the highest point, the surrounding trees are meant to look like distant mountains, with specific plants blended with the Japanese maples and native Oaks to make the garden feel ten timers larger than its actual 3.5 acres. Or, the hand-selected granite boulders from the Sierra Nevadas are buried one-third into the ground so it looks like they are growing, which is why I don't manicure myself often. .

I did not know this place existed until my partner found this and brought his family here…read more It's a nice, serene and scenic short walk with plenty of nice photo spots and benches to sit and take in the greenery. I loved seeing all the koi, bansai and various plants they had in the area. It is well worth a visit to come check it out!

This park is absolutely AMAZING!!!!!…read more Lucky for us, my family moved in this area and Greenwood Park is within walking distances. With it's infamous 3 towering flower structure that offers beauty and shade, you can't miss it!! While there are the typical play structures found at typical parks, Greenwood has a number of musical instruments to play with and enjoy. The park has plenty of seating areas and also has BBQ grills. There are restrooms available but I can't speak on the conditions since I haven't actually used them. The park is spacious, clean, and is the perfect spot to relax with a snack or have a full blown paaaartay!! 5/5 stars, my family and I love everything about Greenwood!!

Probably one of the nicest parks in Hayward. Problem is its just in an unusual hard to find spot…read morethat is almost hidden - unless you are one of the lucky residents nearby. Flowering trees, walkways, little musical instrument for kids, bay friendly rated landscaping, beautiful flower shaped shade artwork, hammock, swings, play structure, small trampoline, basketball hoops... I could go on and on about all the different amenities. There is something for everybody. One beautifully done park... likely from money from the new nearby construction. Big newer homes are on one side and then trailer park homes are on the other side. Its a public park and no matter what you pay for rent or where you live it is here for you to enjoy. The one problem I saw was the basketball hoops. They were like tiny lakes. For whatever reason the concrete contractors messed up. They made little swimming pool instead of flat concrete that doesn't puddle up. I've bounced a ball in a tiny pool of water... and let me tell you - its one way to end the fun. Great little park for all residents of Hayward. Worth a little drive to get to.

This park is thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities. There's a soft play area for…read morebabies and toddlers, adaptive swings for kids in wheelchairs, and the entire playground is fenced for safety. The roundabout parking prioritizes disabled spots which is a smart and inclusive touch. There are shaded quiet areas, picnic tables for snacks or lunch, and a small free library (though it had little to no books when we visited). The bathrooms are high-tech with audio instructions and a 10-minute limit, but cleanliness was an issue as with most public spaces. Both women's restrooms had toilet seats up with pee on them, no seat covers, and people didn't seem to follow the gender signs. Overall, a great park with good intentions. Shoutout to Make-A-Wish and HARD for creating a space all kids can enjoy.

I've been looking for a park that my 22 month old toddler and my 11 month old crawler can play at,…read moreand this park is probably the only place that suits them both! From slides, swings and rocking climbing area, this area for sure will tire out the little ones! Great place to go have a picnic as well! There are basketball courts, skatepark and an exercise area; good for all ages!

Prob would be 5 if the train and rides were open - check their Facebook page for status! I guess it…read morewas closed due to anticipated rain. Easy parking, decent bathrooms, great playground area and lots of seating for picnic/snacks.

Growing up, we visited Kennedy park often. I remember this place being a very distinct part of my…read morechildhood, but wow has it changed! I came back with my dog, just to relive some childhood memories, and the construction they did really changed it. The new differences I love: - New paved walkways instead of just grassy fields. I think this is much more pleasant for parents pushing strollers. - They have a new tea cup ride? They only had the carousel when I was little! - The okay structure is wow! I wish we had this as a child, but it was lovely to walk around and hear the kids playing and laughing. It brought back some really good memories. I always begged my parents to push me on the round wheel swing. - New infrastructure looks nice and beautiful - They still have the train, it seems only on weekends. - They have a Bocce ball area New changes that I wasn't so fond of: - For the expensive infrastructure, they didn't have those pop bad dispensers, which was surprising. It doesn't affect us much, as we carry a poop bag holder, but I can see it catching folks off guard. - There is no longer an area to greet and feed goats... though, I guess they isn't a bad thing, as my sister got rammed by a goat here as a child. I do miss those goats though. - Lastly, it feels like there is a lot of unused space. So much empty grass! Though, I guess it gets busy in the weekends. Overall, a pleasant new change to a place that's been such an important part of my childhood!

Wonderful large park. Saw various birthday parties being held on same day and plenty of space to…read morenot be in each other's way. But because so many people use this park parking can be a bit challenging. We ended up parking on the street. They have a splash pad and playground with different slides. Kids had fun. We also attended a family event at the community center. Large space that also includes a small playground for the kids. A kitchen area with a refrigerator. Overall great park.

Parking lot small but there's a few street parking Clean…read morespacious organized and well kept Tennis courts kid playground basketball courts BBQ pits seating area and wide grass field for soccer Yeah, I think they got everything here I prob missed some other positives too Try this spot out

Visited Meek park as well as the mansion. There were several vendors inside the mansion. They have…read moreevents here throughout the year. Great place to picnic or just take photos as the park offers beautiful landscapes.

A very nice park, with the Meek Mansion as the centerpiece!!…read more Meek Mansion is a historic victorian house surrounded by gardens. The whole park is fenced off, with locking gates to the parking lot. There are many paved trails here, along with picnic areas and playgrounds. There are always people here walking the trail along the outer edge of the park. I have not yet been inside of the mansion, but this park is nice enough to go to on its own. But checking out the inside of this mansion is definitely on my to do list!!!!

This is just for the outside area. I haven't been to the swimming area in ages…read more Most of the time (especially not during summer) you can enter for free, park, walk around, enjoy some nature in the city and relax. There are also a few pokemon gyms located in the area if that is your thing, lol. Great place to have an impromptu picnic with a little privacy from the outside world.

Wow! It's hard to beat having lake/beach vibes that is so local to us. Clean facilities and clean…read morebeaches/water. Plenty of parking but can fill up during the weekends. Cheap prices to get in for parking as well as into the lake itself. Get here early on the weekends otherwise there is an admission limit that can be easily hit during those hot summer days. There are also lifeguards on duty here making sure that everyone is safe. Couple of caveats. Water is supposed to be chlorinated, but do note that there are wild birds that do swim/poop into the water. The shower facilities are not heated so please keep that in mind. In addition, just be aware that though many places online say that they are open till 6pm, the swimming actually ends at 5:30pm so please plan accordingly. I just cannot recommend this place enough for families, your children will love it here!

Recently visited the park for the first time and loved it! Not sure what happened when I used my…read moremap, but it brought me to Ziele Creek entrance, which is 5 miles away from the main entrance. Luckily, there was an East Bay Regional employee nearby working and I was able to get directions from him as I had no service In the area. When I finally made it to the main entrance, I saw the lot, which had plenty of parking. There is a restroom by what looks like visitor center which also appeared to possibly be remodeled as it was fenced up. There are so many trails to take; you get wonderful views of East Bay! The trails are steep, but it's a great workout!

April 26, 2026 - Back for the annual amazing and beautiful display of irises and other native…read moreplants. Come before the season ends! Thurs to Sun 10-4pm. Porta potty available. Garden has various areas to sit and chat. Great to stop by before or after hike at Dry Creek Regional Park.

there isn't much of a park here. the trees are vary short, provide no shade. gets hot early on…read more there's no gravel, sand, bark, just plastic courtesy of Hayward's Rotary Club. it's just for children up to age 12. there's a slide, rock wall to climb, swings, and other activities suitable for kids. there are benches for adults to sit upon while watching the kids. good size parking lot next to playground.

Nice playground near downtown Hayward. Swings, slides, and other things for kids to play on. The…read moresoft court makes it safe for kids in the event they fall down.

I Love Open Spaces and Parks in Urban Areas!!!!…read more Via Toledo Park Is w a Newer Neighborhood Park !!!! It's got Great Play Areas for Kids!!! There are Swings and Jungle gyms and Playgrounds !!! There is also a Great Picnic Areas! It's kind of a Hidden Gem ! It's a nice place to Chill Homie!!! For All These Reasons !!! This is a Baller On A Budget Approved Park / OPEN Space !!!! I definitely Keep My Pimp Strong !!!!

Great playground with different types of play structure. Our kids loved it. Easy street parking.read more