Southgate Park

Park Overview

Southgate Park is a 13-acre community park located in Hayward, California. The park functions as a central recreational hub for the local community, providing access to various sports facilities and leisure areas. Recently renovated, the park offers a clean, family-friendly environment with amenities for visitors of all ages.

Sports and Recreation

The park features a mix of active and passive recreation options. For sports enthusiasts, there are baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts. A highlight of the park is its six pickleball courts, which have become very popular with players of all skill levels. Players follow a rotation system by stacking their paddles on the net posts with red stripes.

The park also includes soccer fields and open lawn areas suitable for casual games or relaxation.

Playground

Southgate Park boasts a newly remodeled playground area that caters to younger visitors. The playground features multiple structures for children to explore, including a boat that rocks and can seat up to six children. There's also an ASL board on one of the walls, making the play area more inclusive.

The playground is clean, safe, and surrounded by shaded tables and benches where parents can relax while supervising their children.

Accessibility Features

Southgate Park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring paved walkways that allow for comfortable strolls and make the park navigable for those with limited mobility. Some parents appreciate that the playground area has a gate that can be locked, providing added safety for children including those with special needs.

The pathways form a loop around the park, providing a convenient route for joggers and walkers.

Amenities

For those looking to spend time outdoors with family or friends, the park offers picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecue facilities. These spaces provide ideal settings for gatherings and outdoor meals.

The park includes restroom facilities for visitor convenience, though some visitors note they could benefit from more frequent maintenance.

The park also houses a recreation hall that can be rented for events and parties, with capacity for up to 100 people. The hall includes a kitchen area and staff is available for inquiries.

Additional Features

Southgate Park includes horseshoe pits for those interested in this traditional game. There's also a dog-friendly area near the park where visitors can walk their dogs.

A gazebo with steps provides a comfortable spot for sitting and working on laptops or simply relaxing in the shade.

Recent Improvements

In 2022, Southgate Park underwent a renovation project to update and improve its amenities. The project, funded by Measure F1 Bond, aimed to enhance the playground, basketball court, and improve ADA access throughout the park.

The renovation included new playground equipment, improved walkways, and general upgrades to maintain Southgate Park as a valuable community asset, serving residents of all ages and abilities.