Mount Eden Park

Park Overview

Situated in Hayward, Mount Eden Park spreads across 40 acres of community green space with a variety of amenities and features. With sprawling lawns, a peaceful ambiance, and various recreational options, it offers a nice escape from the urban landscape. The park maintains a clean, well-kept appearance, creating a welcoming spot for everything from family outings to solo afternoon strolls.

Historic Features

At the heart of the park stands the Mt. Eden mansion (also called the Oliver Estate) - a charming piece of local history that adds character to the grounds. This distinctive prairie-style bungalow, surrounded by gardens, gives the park a unique focal point that connects visitors to Hayward's past.

If you're visiting soon, keep an eye out for the developing walking loop with park benches planned for the area in front of this historic building - it'll soon offer an even more pleasant way to enjoy the scenery.

Sports Facilities

Active types will appreciate the variety of sporting options here. The park features a nicely renovated soccer field with excellent grass conditions, several baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts that accommodate both serious players and casual weekend warriors.

If you're looking for something a bit more laid-back, check out the horseshoe courts and shuffleboard areas. The baseball diamonds regularly host little league games and community sports events, bringing a lively energy to the park on game days.

Children's Play Area

The recently renovated playground is a hit with families. Kids can explore slides, steps, ladders, a tunnel/ramp bridge, a balance beam, a climbing wall, and monkey bars - pretty much everything a child needs to burn off energy and have a blast.

The swing set includes both standard and bucket swings, making it appropriate for children of different ages. Just note that the playground sits some distance from the main parking area, so if you're bringing little ones, you might want to use the closer parking section.

Walking Paths and Open Areas

Gently winding paths around the park create perfect routes for daily walks and casual exercise. Dog owners often bring their four-legged friends along (remember to keep them leashed, though).

The generous open lawns are ideal for spreading out a blanket, having a picnic, tossing a frisbee, or simply lounging with a good book. There's something wonderfully restorative about having so much green space to enjoy.

Picnic Facilities

Planning a get-together? The park offers multiple picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecue pits. There's one particularly popular large picnic area that's ideal for group events and family BBQs - though on sunny weekends, you'll want to arrive early to claim this coveted spot.

The picnic facilities are well-maintained and clean, providing a comfortable setting for sharing meals outdoors with friends and family.

Wildlife and Nature

As you explore, you'll likely encounter some of the park's friendly squirrels darting about. The quiet atmosphere creates a pleasant natural retreat that feels removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - despite being right in Hayward.

Amenities

You'll come across all the essentials here, including restrooms that are generally clean and well-maintained (though bringing your own toilet paper isn't a bad idea, just in case). Dog waste bags and garbage cans are conveniently placed across the grounds, making it easy to do your part in keeping the park beautiful.

Ongoing Improvements

Mount Eden Park is currently getting some TLC as part of the 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Program. These renovations focus on enhancing accessibility, upgrading field lighting, and adding various recreational improvements that will make this community treasure even better in the coming years.