John F Kennedy Park

Spacious Recreation Area

John F Kennedy Park is a large, multi-use public park located in Hayward, California. Spanning 13.3 acres, it is managed by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) and is the most heavily used recreational area in Hayward.

The park underwent a major renovation that was completed in April 2022, with a total project cost of $19.2 million. The renovated park features a farm-themed design throughout its facilities and is well-maintained with regular cleaning and a Park Ranger on duty for safety.

Farm-Themed Playground

A central play area includes custom farm-themed playground equipment like a tractor, barn, truck, and "corn maze". These unique features make the playground especially appealing to children of all ages.

The playground has multiple slides, climbing structures, and special multi-rider swings that can accommodate up to five children at once, making them very popular with visitors. While the playground can get crowded on weekends, the smooth, paved pathways surrounding it provide a safe area for children to ride bikes and scooters on quieter days.

Weekend Amusement Rides

For younger visitors, John F Kennedy Park offers several amusement rides that operate on weekends (Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 4PM, weather permitting). These include a historic carousel built in 1955, a miniature train ride that circles the park on a narrow gauge track, and a teacup ride added during the recent renovation.

Ride tickets cost $3 per person per ride and must be purchased before 3:30 PM. All rides are cash only, and everyone, including infants, requires a ticket. The train ride is particularly popular with visitors of all ages.

Picnic and Recreation Facilities

The park provides ample space for picnics and gatherings with numerous picnic areas featuring tables, many under shaded pavilions. There are designated picnic sites that can be reserved in advance through the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, as well as first-come, first-served areas for informal gatherings.

The park is perfect for birthday parties, family reunions, and cookouts with BBQ grills available throughout. Large grassy areas offer plenty of space for sports and games, making it ideal for active recreation.

Amenities and Accessibility

John F Kennedy Park features clean, well-maintained restrooms, drinking fountains, and ample parking. The recently renovated pathways throughout the park are smooth and well-paved, making them excellent for walking, jogging, or children learning to ride bikes.

The park is dog-friendly as long as pets are kept on leashes. Visitors will also find a snack bar that operates during weekend hours when the rides are running.

Historic Connection

John F Kennedy Park is situated adjacent to the historic McConaghy House, which was built in 1886 and is now operated as a museum. A new event lawn area was created between the park and the historic house to better connect the two spaces.

Formerly home to a petting zoo that was removed during renovations, the park now occasionally hosts animal education programs and special events in partnership with a nearby nature center.