Mount Eden Park

Park Overview

Mount Eden Park is a 40-acre community park offering a variety of recreational facilities and amenities for visitors of all ages. The park is known for its expansive open lawn areas, peaceful atmosphere, and diverse recreational options. The grounds are generally well-maintained, providing a clean and safe environment for community gatherings and outdoor activities.

Historic Features

One of the park's notable features is the historic Mt. Eden mansion, also known as the Oliver Estate, which adds a touch of local history to the park grounds. This distinctive prairie-style bungalow is surrounded by gardens at the center of the park, creating an interesting focal point for visitors.

In front of this historic building, plans are underway to create a new walking loop with park benches, providing a scenic pathway for recreation and relaxation.

Sports Facilities

The park boasts several sports facilities, including a soccer field, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts. These areas cater to various sporting interests and provide ample space for both organized games and casual play. The soccer field has been recently renovated and is now well-maintained with excellent grass conditions.

Mount Eden Park also features horseshoe courts and shuffleboard areas for those interested in less strenuous activities. The baseball diamonds are popular for little league games and community sports events.

Children's Play Area

For families with children, Mount Eden Park offers a renovated playground area. The play area includes features such as slides, steps, ladders, a tunnel/ramp bridge, a balance beam, a climbing wall, and monkey bars.

There's also a swing set with both standard and bucket swings, making it suitable for children of different ages. The playground is located some distance from the main parking area, so visitors with small children may want to drive to the closer parking section.

Walking Paths and Open Areas

The park features several walking paths that wind through the grounds, making it ideal for daily strolls and light exercise. Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs along these paths, though it's important to note that dogs must be kept on leashes.

The expansive lawns provide ample space for relaxation, picnics, and casual games. These open grassy areas are perfect for families looking to spread out and enjoy the outdoors.

Picnic Facilities

The park includes multiple picnic areas with tables and barbecue pits, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or community events. There's one main large picnic area that's particularly popular for group events and family BBQs, though it's advisable to arrive early to secure this space on busy days.

The picnic areas are clean and well-maintained, offering a pleasant setting for outdoor meals and social gatherings.

Wildlife and Nature

Visitors might encounter friendly squirrels throughout the park, adding to its natural charm. The park's quiet atmosphere makes it a pleasant retreat from the busier parts of Hayward.

Amenities

The park provides essential amenities including restrooms that are generally clean and well-supplied, though it's sometimes advisable to bring your own toilet paper. Dog waste bags and garbage cans are available throughout the grounds to help maintain the park's cleanliness.

Ongoing Improvements

Mount Eden Park is currently undergoing renovations as part of the 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Program. These improvements aim to enhance accessibility, renovate field lighting, and provide miscellaneous recreational upgrades.