Our quest for living in California is to visit as many beautiful places as we could while we're…read moreliving here in this expensive state, especially in NorCal. Last weekend we visit Hayward Japanese Gardens. It's not too far from our home in Fremont. We took Mission Blvd all the way to Hayward, we got to see the city, quite nice. The parking lot is designated for the theater but there's no where else to park so we parked there. We're amazed with all the well groomed different types of trees, quite pleasant and unique. The pond with beautiful Koi fishes. It's a huge garden with so many beautiful trees and flowers. It's so well kept and every tree was trimmed to perfection. There are benches to sit to enjoy the sceneries, wedding people came here to take pictures for their albums. It's a gorgeous day in CA for a beautiful garden.

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. .

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 is hands-down the coolest playground in the East Bay I've been to thus far. While in the area…read morefor a family BBQ, we heard about this spot from parent friends and decided it was finally time to check it out. Wow! I was honestly blown away. We brought lunch to have at the park and honestly, not much was eaten because there was just so much to do! What a toddler dreamland. There's a solitary airplane by the swings, a 'firetruck' to enter/exit, a boat to drive, slides of all kinds..a whale to climb that blows water steam out of its blowhole! I mean..the creativity! There's a quiet area that has books and chairs to read to the littles, like a "take one/leave one" small library. A section dedicated to music where littles can create sounds from a piano by using their feet to step on the keys. A bike park next-door. A pirate ship..I mean, the list goes on and on! In short, this playground is inclusive to all. The magic, wonder, uniqueness, and just imaginative play that is captured by adults and kids alike is really awesome for somewhere in the East Bay. We already can't wait to come back again. Street parking adjacent to playground can be found. This is a popular spot, so plan accordingly.

Such a sweet playground! I enjoy all the accessibility intended to allow children of all abilities…read moreto play. The lounge chairs for parents near the more exciting features are also very cool. My son plays basketball at the nearby recreation center and we walked over to the park after his session- not realizing it was Mia's Dream Come True until halfway through play. This park is epic - from the Braille to the musical/sound features, awesome fire truck and the spouting whale! We could spend hours here (or at least an hour because Mama's got a schedule). For now we'll be back most weekends after basketball practice. I'd recommend this park to all parents of small children.

Beautiful park for families with kids, and perfect for a kid's birthday party. Easy parking (even…read moreon a Saturday!), clean bathrooms, train and carousel rides, and plenty of reservable picnic areas. We will definitely be back.

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.

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

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.

Today I visited Meek Park with my doggie client as I want to take her to beautiful park hence why…read morewe were here this morning. I haven't been to Meek Park since 2017?! Oh my goodness that's so long ago. Meek Park today is still as lovely as I remembered it, but even better because they now have the water fountain flowing. The grounds are maintained well with beautiful lush grass and pretty flowers. I also saw some cute cats in their garden area. They have a parking lot with plenty of spots. The playgound looks whimsy and elegant at the same time. I'm so happy that their poop bag stations have actual poop bags! I had poop bags with me, but it's just so helpful when a park also provides poop bags as well just in case people need them. I think they have a restroom area if I remember correctly. I know there was an area with plenty of picnic tables.

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!!!!

Went for a short hike here. Not long, refreshing and enjoyable. Lovely scenery with a nice little…read morelake. There's a pool area not far. Also seen different kinds of birds playing in the water. There's a bench along the water to sit and enjoy. When I went, no fees were collected and there's ample parking. I definitely will come again.

Fantastic park one of the best places to chill relax and swim. I come here normally when I want to…read morefeel away from everything but it only takes 5 dollars the most.

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.

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!

Not a great park at all. SO small , litter all over busy street on 3 sides. It could be nicer and…read morebetter protected

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.

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