The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is an independent special district dedicated to enriching the quality of life for its community by providing a wide range of recreational activities, parks, and facilities. Established in 1944, H.A.R.D. is the largest recreation district in California, serving over 309,000 residents across a 100-square-mile area that includes the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview. The district manages approximately 1,100 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces, along with diverse facilities such as golf courses, community centers, and sports complexes. H.A.R.D. offers a broad array of programs including youth sports, adult fitness classes, educational workshops, and special events, with a commitment to providing accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities. Their mission emphasizes promoting health, well-being, learning, and fun through its services and facilities, which have received national and state recognition for design and innovation. The district is governed by an elected five-member Board of Directors and is funded through property taxes, user fees, and bonds.
