Goal 10 Parks, Open Space, and Recreation

Goal HQL-10: Create and support a diverse public park system, connecting trails, and recreation facilities suited to the needs of Hayward residents and visitors. 

Policies in this section provide for coordinated efforts between the City, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD), and East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to maintain existing and develop new local and regional parkland and facilities throughout Hayward. Parks and open space contribute to the quality of life in Hayward and provide residents opportunities to live active, healthy lifestyles. Parklands help to sustain natural environmental resources by providing landscapes that absorb greenhouse gases, produce oxygen, and filter pollutants into the groundwater basin, and provide biodiversity. Additionally, the location of local parks and school recreational facilities can serve as a focal point of neighborhood identity and activity. Parks and recreation policies promote enhancement of existing amenities, as well as development of new parks and recreation facilities as character-defining resources that emphasize the retention of natural landforms and plant communities.

The City shall work with HARD to maintain and implement the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)

The City shall seek to increase the number of parks throughout the city by working with HARD to achieve and maintain the following park standards per 1,000 Hayward residents:

·         Two acres of local parks,

·         Two acres of school parks,

·         Three acres of regional parks,

·         One mile of trails and linear parks, and

·         Five acres of parks district-wide.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)

The City shall encourage the creation and maintenance of neighborhood “miniparks” and tot lots through partnerships with private, non-profit and business interests in areas where it is not possible to meet HARD standards related to park size.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)

The City shall, for development in urban infill areas where traditional neighborhood and community parks are not feasible or appropriate, work with HARD and developers to produce creative and flexible solutions for creating new urban parks, such as plazas and rooftop gardens.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall require that neighborhood parks be integrated into, and be focal points of new residential neighborhoods.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall consider the use of parks and recreational corridors as buffers between incompatible land uses.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall work with HARD to ensure that new parks are accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists, and are connected with transit, to the extent feasible.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall encourage the use of drought-tolerant and drought-resistant landscaping, as well as low impact development (LID) technologies in the development of City parks.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall work with HARD to ensure parks are located, oriented, and designed in such a way as to facilitate security, policing, and maintenance.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall encourage citizens, neighborhood groups, businesses, schools, organizations, and public agencies to assist in the surveillance of publicly-owned park and recreational facilities.

City Services and Operations (CSO)Public Information (PI)

The City shall strive to ensure new high-activity level parks and parks intended for night use are designed to buffer existing and planned surrounding residential uses from excessive noise, light, and other potential nuisances.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall maintain park dedication requirements and in lieu fees for new residential development at the maximum allowed under State law.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall support HARD efforts to restore the District’s revenue base, and shall pursue all available funding for the acquisition of parkland, the development of park facilities, and the maintenance of existing parks.

Financing and Budgeting (FB)Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)

The City shall continue to work with HARD and EBRPD, the school districts, faith-based communities, and the private sector to expand joint use facilities through cooperative agreements.

Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)

The City shall coordinate with the HARD to increase the number and availability of multipurpose facilities in order to provide a variety of community services, recreational activities, and cultural amenities that are accessible to and benefit a cross-section of the community.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)

The City shall coordinate with the HARD to improve access to public facilities that can be used for open space and/or recreation activities.

City Services and Operations (CSO)Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)

The City shall coordinate with the HARD to encourage neighborhood (i.e., residents and businesses) involvement in park maintenance and enhancement.

City Services and Operations (CSO)Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)Public Information (PI)