Goal 11 Trails and Open Space Corridors

Goal HQL-11: Provide a continuous system of trails and open space corridors that connect local parks, regional open space areas and other destination points within and beyond the city of Hayward.

Policies in this section support the coordinated preservation, maintenance, and expansion of the City’s trails and open space corridors. Ease of access and connectivity for bicycles and pedestrians are essential characteristics of a successful trail system. The City will support the integration and connection of parklands, natural open spaces, and neighborhoods through greenways and trails that enhance the city’s urban character.  Trails and open space corridors provide Hayward’s residents and workforce with opportunities to be active and enjoy the natural environment, provide visual “relief” from urban development, and protect significant plant and animal habitats.

The City shall establish and maintain an integrated recreational corridor system that connects regional trails (e.g., , The San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail, San Lorenzo Creek Trail, Ridge Trail, the Juan Bautista DeAnza National Historic Trail), Baylands (i.e., Hayward Regional Shoreline), local creeks and open space corridors, hillside areas, and EBRPD and HARD parks.

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)

The City shall coordinate with HARD and the EBRPD to consider additional greenway linkages along fault line corridors and in other areas (e.g., rail line, creek, and utility corridors) to encourage walking and cycling and to provide improved access to activity centers.

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)

The City shall seek to accentuate, “daylight,” and “green” creeks, culverts, and underground drainage infrastructure through infrastructure improvements and the development review process to establish or extend pathways and trails.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall encourage HARD and EBRPD to provide trail access and features for people with disabilities, such as seating areas along paths and trails.

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)

The City shall require, as appropriate, the dedication of public access easements through new developments along the Hayward Regional Shoreline.

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall coordinate with HARD, regional agencies (e.g., MTC, ABAG, and EBRPD), and surrounding jurisdictions to ensure that recreational corridors within the city connect with existing and planned recreational facilities and trails outside the city.

Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)