East Avenue Park

Natural Setting

Spanning nearly 27 acres, this urban oasis offers visitors a diverse landscape of manicured rolling hills dotted with trees and picnic areas. The park is part of a larger 140-acre greenbelt, featuring a variety of natural elements that create an immersive outdoor experience.

The park's terrain is characterized by its gently sloping hills, providing visitors with expansive views of the surrounding area. Pines, cedars, and eucalyptus trees line the park's hiking trails, creating shaded pathways for visitors to explore. These abundant trees provide excellent shade throughout the park, making it a comfortable place to spend time even on warmer days.

Park Features

The park's natural features include creeks and wooden bridges, adding to its rustic charm. Steps carved into hillsides offer access to different areas of the park, making it accessible for visitors of various fitness levels.

The open lawn areas provide ample space for picnicking, relaxation, and informal sports. The expansive grassy area is perfect for running and playing, offering plenty of room for activities without feeling crowded.

For more structured play, the park includes a well-maintained playground with two distinct structures catering to different age groups. One structure is designed specifically for toddlers, while the other is intended for older children. The larger playground structure offers unique features such as a rock wall, rope ladder, big slide, and swings, providing challenging and engaging play options.

Recreation and Amenities

East Avenue Park offers excellent facilities for picnicking and BBQ. While there are some picnic tables available, the open spaces are also ideal for blanket picnics. BBQ grills and dedicated boxes for hot charcoal disposal are provided for visitors who want to cook outdoors.

The park connects to a canyon with hiking trails, offering additional recreational opportunities for more adventurous visitors. These trails provide peaceful walks through natural surroundings and excellent access to the broader trail network in the area.

Restrooms are available on-site, featuring steel facilities typical of H.A.R.D. (Hayward Area Recreation District) parks. While basic, they are generally kept clean and functional.

Wildlife and Accessibility

The park also provides a habitat for local wildlife, offering opportunities for nature observation. Visitors may encounter various bird species and even deer within the park boundaries.

East Avenue Park is particularly dog-friendly, with plenty of open space for dogs to run and explore, though there is no enclosed dog park area. The connected canyon trails also provide excellent walking options for dog owners.

Accessibility is a key feature of East Avenue Park, with parking facilities available for visitor convenience, though some visitors note it could benefit from more parking spaces. The park's design incorporates ADA-compliant walkways, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can enjoy its offerings.

Community Use

The park hosts seasonal summer day camps that are popular with local families. Programs like Camp Potowatami offer activities including Thursday night skits and sleepovers that children look forward to each year.

With its clean, well-maintained grounds and quiet location, East Avenue Park provides a peaceful retreat for the surrounding community.