Cannery Park

A Piece of Hayward's Past

Set in Hayward is Cannery Park, a green space with a story to tell. It sits on what used to be the Hunt Brothers Cannery, which wasn't just any food processing plant - it was once the world's largest cannery, operating from 1896 until 1978. In 1993, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District transformed the industrial site into this park, preserving the connection to the cannery's history and the local residents who worked there for decades.

Cool Off in the Summer

When temperatures climb, the park's splash pad offers a popular cooling option. Open seasonally from late May through early September, it's where kids can dodge water fountains shooting up from the ground or engage in water battles with squirt cannons. While not massive, there's enough room for children to splash around and beat the heat. It operates Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm during summer months.

Places to Play

Right beside the water zone, you can find a rope climbing playground complete with swings - two standard ones for the bigger kids and two safety swings for the little ones. If you're bringing toddlers, just know the play structure leans more toward school-aged children (5+) with its climbing challenges, but the safety foam floor underneath should ease any worries about tumbles.

For the skateboarding crowd, there's a compact but well-crafted skate park featuring two bowls, marble ledges, and smooth round coping along the edges. Whether you're just starting out or landing complex tricks, there's something here for every skater.

The park spreads out with expansive fields that occasionally host some feathered visitors - geese seem to enjoy the grounds as much as humans do. These open areas work well for impromptu sports games or organized practices, but field conditions can vary with the seasons.

There are also basketball courts available, plus designated spaces for baseball, softball, and soccer. Just be aware that after heavy rainfall, some fields might hold water, but they typically don't stay soggy for long.

Taking a Break

When it's time to refuel or simply relax, you can take advantage of the park's barbecue facilities and picnic tables distributed throughout the area. Looking to host a gathering? The covered picnic spots can seat groups of eight, with some larger tables available for bigger celebrations.

Restrooms are on-site, but you might need to walk a bit if you're picnicking - they're not exactly close to the eating areas. Inside, you'll come across three stalls and one sink in the women's restroom, while the men's offers one stall, two urinals, and a single sink.

Parking shouldn't be an issue thanks to a lot right in front of the park. One thing to keep in mind: while there's plenty of open space, shade can be limited on sunny days, so bringing a hat or umbrella might be a good idea.

What Brings People Here

Cannery Park is frequently used for family outings, BBQs, birthday celebrations, and summer splash pad activities. Dog walkers frequently loop the grounds, though there isn't a dedicated area for four-legged friends.

Regardless of whether you're looking to break a sweat with sports or just enjoy a peaceful picnic, this park offers both active and relaxed options. It offers a green space in the community, though maintenance quality varies with seasons and usage patterns.