Old Highlands Park (Assessed by Maria)

Old Highlands
26180 Parkside Drive

Although there is nothing outstanding about Old Highland Park, it is still a great local park. I always find myself frequently visiting Old Highlands park because I live nearby. This is a park that local residents can enjoy. If you live nearby, this is a very convenient park to visit. Because this park is catered to the residents who live nearby, there are no bathrooms. The lack of bathrooms and lighting is the only downside of this park. If you live near this park, great, otherwise it is just another typical park.

Park Assessment

Is there a play structure for toddlers? If so, are play areas fenced?
Yes there is a play structure for toddlers, but it is not fenced.
What play structures are present at this park?
Slides and swings.
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park?
Yes, because it is a very simple park. Also this park is the perfect place to take a stroll for a breath of fresh air.
What fun stuff is in the park?
There are some benches provided at the park.
What type of terrain is at this park? (i.e. grass, wood chips, dirt). List all that are present.
The park mainly consists of wood chips. The park is also surrounded by trees.
Are there public toilets?
No

Maintenance:

Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?
No
Is the park well maintained?
yes
Are there any park identification signs? 
no

Park Safety

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?
No because the park is a little isolated. The park itself is nestled in a relatively quiet neighborhood.
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night? Please explain your answer.
Yes, only because I know there are apartments around the park. If I ever need help, I can go to one of the apartments.

Does the park feel isolated?
A little bit

Is there lighting in the park?
No

Do you have any recommendations for how this park could be bettered?
They should provide picnic tables and lights.

Longwood Park ( Assessed by Maria)

Longwood Park

748 Longwood Ave, Hayward

While I was walking through the park, I noticed that there were a lot of individuals hanging around the park. Although there are families and kids at the park, there are also a lot of unwanted individuals lingering around the park. Although the park is fenced, it does not have any lighting. I don’t think the park would be the best place to be at during the night. However, this is a nice park for those who love to play soccer and have fun during the daytime.

Park Assessment

Is there a play structure for toddlers? If so, are play areas fenced?

Yes, the park is fenced
What play structures are present at this park?

slides, swings, and a climbing wall.
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park? Why or why not?
Not really, there seems to be some gang members that like to hang around the park.
What fun stuff is in the park? 
This park is ideal for those who like to play basketball or soccer given the multiple basketball courts and soccer fields provided. However, if basketball and/or soccer isn’t for you, there are also picnic tables and BBQ pits for social gatherings.
What type of terrain is at this park?

Besides the basketball courts, the park is mainly covered in grass.
Are there public toilets?

No

Maintenance:

Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?

A little bit
Is the park well maintained?
Not really. There is trash dispersed around the park.
Are there any park identification signs? 
No smoking

Park Safety:

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?

No, because it isn’t exactly the safest place. There seems to be some gang members and/or sketchy individuals at the park.
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night? Please explain your answer.

Given the amount of sketchy individuals at the park and lack of lighting, I would not feel safe walking around this park at night.
Does the park feel isolated

No, it is surrounded by houses and a school.
Is there lighting in the park?

No lights.

Recommendations:

Do you have any recommendations for how this park could be bettered?

Lights should be added to the park.

Sulphur Creek Nature Center Park (Assessed by Maria)

Sulphur Creek Nature Center Park

1801 D. Street, Hayward

Sulphur Creek Nature Center Park may not have a play structures for kids, but what they lack in they make up with the large amount of wildlife. The park is almost like a free zoo. You are given the chance to experience wildlife: bald eagles, falcons, and occasionally coyotes. The large amount of trees give off a very woodsy atmosphere that you cannot experience at any other parks. Also, a large shaded grass and picnic area is provided for you to just sit back and relax. Its a very nice place where you get to see animals for free without going to a zoo. The only downside is that dogs are not allowed at the park. Regardless of this fact, Sulphur Creek Nature Center Park remains as one of my favorite parks so far. Everyone should visit Sulphur Creek Nature Center Park at least once.

Park Assessment

Is there a play structure for toddlers? If so, are play areas fenced?
There are no play structures provided at the park, but there are plenty of other things to do at this park. There is a free zoo! The zoo is fun and educational. Also, the kids might get a chance to touch the animals.
What play structures are present at this park?
None
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park? Why or why not?
Yes, this park itself is very pretty. Also, I really enjoyed the wildlife that is present at the park.
What fun stuff is in the park? (Any picnic tables, BBQ pits, etc?)
In addition to the zoo, there is a nice picnic area with grills and a lot of shade.
What type of terrain is at this park? (i.e. grass, wood chips, dirt).
There is a very woodsy atmosphere at the park. At this park there is  a lot of grass, trees, and dirt.
Are there public toilets?
Yes the public toilets are surprisingly very clean. 

Maintenance:

Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?
No, the park is very clean 
Is the park well maintained?
Yes perfect.
Are there any park identification signs?
No animals allowed

Park Safety:

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?
Yes
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night?
No. The forest can get a little creepy at night. There is also a lot of wildlife at night, so it may not be the best place to be at during the night.
Does the park feel isolated?
Yes, the park is a little isolated. Besides the small staff working with the animals and the occasional birthday parties held at the park, there isn’t much activity going on at the park.
Is there lighting in the park?
Yes there is lighting around the park.

Lakeridge Park (Assessed by Maria)

Lakeridge Park
23333 Lakeridge Ave.

Lakeridge park is a park that I really enjoy. There is a beautiful view at the park that you can enjoy. This is definitely a hidden gem. At night, you can get an amazing view of bay area: the bay area lights up.  I can see myself sitting there for hours just relaxing and thinking. The area is very quite and nice. There is a nice grass lawn for families and friends to sit on and enjoy each others company as well as the view.

Park Assessment

Is there a play structure for toddlers? If so, are play areas fenced?
Yes.
What play structures are present at this park?
Swings, slides, basketball court
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park? 
Yes, I like the view from there.
What fun stuff is in the park? 
Two BBQ pits, one big table.
What type of terrain is at this park?
Grass around, and wood chips in play structure area.
Are there public toilets?
No.

Maintenance:

Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?
No everything looks pretty clean.
Is the park well maintained?
Yes, a nice park to take a walk.
Are there any park identification signs? 
No Unleash dogs.

Park Safety

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?
Yes, i will for the fact that, the park is in a nice neighborhood.
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night?
Yes because it there aren’t a lot of unwanted people at the park.
Does the park feel isolated?
A little bit, the park is a little too quiet.
Is there lighting in the park? 
No lights.

Recommendations

Do you have any recommendations for how this park could be bettered?
Bathrooms should be added.

Tennyson Park (Assessed by Maria)

Tennyson Park

Manon and Huntwood

As I approached Tennyson Park, I noticed that the park isn’t tailored to teens. There is a beautiful play structure at the park. However, the play structure is for those ages 3-12 years old. However, if the play structure isn't right for you, there is a skate park and a basketball court at the Tennyson Park. It is a wonderful park, but isn't necessarily the safest. The neighborhood isn't the best and can feel unsafe at times. Sometimes you will run into homeless wondering around the park.

Park Assessment

Is there a play structure for toddlers? If so, are play areas fenced? 
Yes, a play structure for kids under 13 years old.             
What play structures are present at this park?      
Slides, swings and a spinning wheel.
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park?
Depending on what time of day. Because there are a lots of gang related people at the park, I would not feel safe or enjoy the park during the later hours of the day.
What fun stuff is in the park?
Eight picnics tables, two BBQ pits.
What type of terrain is at this park?
Grass, wood chips and dirt.
Are there public toilets?
Yes  not always open, only during the afternoon.

Maintenance:

Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?
Yes, in few places you will find graffiti, a little trash.     
Are there any park identification signs? 
No dogs allowed without a leash, no smoking, and no camping.

Park Safety:

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?
Not really a safe space in the park but it’s surrounded by two streets, a fire department across the street and a big field.      
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night? Please explain your answer.
No i wouldn’t feel safe walking through the park at night time, for the fact that few homeless stay there at night time
Does the park feel isolated?                                                                                        
No it don’t feel isolated, but it do need more safety on it.
Is there lighting in the park?
Yes the park do got lights around, but the lights will sometimes turn on.
Do you have any recommendations for how this park could be bettered?
Fix  the water fountain because its not working like we want to.                         

East Ave. Park (Assessed by Adrien)

East Ave. Park 

3221 East Ave

Park Assessment

      Is there a play structure for toddlers?
No. The park is appropriate for ages of 5-12. And the area is fenced.
What play structures are present at this park?
There is a play structure adult and toddler swings.
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park?
Maybe. I would enjoy the park if I was with a group of friends. Otherwise, the place is too quiet for me like people playing and music. But it’s nice for older people who like a nice quiet place.
What fun stuff is in the park?
There are picnic tables, BBQ grills there, and benches around the park. There is a trail around the park about ½ mile long as well as horse shoe pits, a basketball court, and huge field.
What type of terrain is at this park?
There is grass, cement trail on the park and woodchips. The trail starts out as paved trail, but eventually turns into a dirt trail.
Are there public toilets?
There are public toilets and they are well maintained.

Maintenance:

Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?
There is no graffiti or vandalism in the park.
Is the park well maintained?
The park is very well maintained.  It is nice to look at.
Are there any park identification signs?
There are 3-4 park identification signs.

Park Safety

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?
The surrounding park is very nice and peaceful and it is nice to be here because it is shady too.
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night?
Maybe. With friends here I doubt that anything would happen here but there are some scary noises that can scare you.
Does the park feel isolated?
Not at all, the park is very open.
Is there lighting in the park?
No. there is no lighting here.  

Recommendations

Do you have any recommendations for how this park could be bettered?
Put more lights more grills and they should also put more cement because it is muddy when wet.

Schafer Park (Assessed by Veronica)

Schafer Park
Evergreen and Flamingo

        When I was walking through the park, I noticed that beautiful plants and trees surround the park. There are two play structures at the park, one for toddlers and the other for kids. I thought the park was really nice and if I was a little kid I would love to go there to play with my friends. Perfect for kids.

Park Assessment

 Is there a play structure for toddlers?
Yes, the park is fenced and there are two play structures.
What play structures are present at this park?
Slides, bars, monkey bars
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park?
No, it is a park meant for toddlers rather than teens.
What fun stuff is in the park?
Benches, picnic tables, open space, many trees
What type of terrain is at this park?
Grass, sand, pavement, woodchips
Are there public toilets?
No

Maintenance:

 Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?
There is some graffiti on the pavement
 Is the park well maintained?
Yes
Are there any park identification signs?
Yes

Park Safety

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?
Yes
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night?
Yes, the park is in a nice and calm neighborhood.
]Does the park feel isolated?
Yes
Is there lighting in the park?
Yes  

Recommendations

Do you have any recommendations for how this park could be bettered?
Cover up the graffiti because it is not appropriate for kids to see.

Fairview Park (Assessed by Adrien)

Fairview Park 

2841 Romagnola

Park Assessment

Is there a play structure for toddlers?
No. The play structure is appropriate for ages of 4-8 years old. The park is fenced. Also, the park is enclosed by the surrounding houses and trees.
What play structures are present at this park?
Slides, swings, and monkey bars
Would you enjoy hanging out in the park?
No. The park is more appropriate for kids and not teens. However, there is a basketball court for those who enjoy playing basketball.
What fun stuff is in the park?
Picnic tables and some trashcans are provided, but there are no BBQ grills. Also, there is a basketball court. 
What type of terrain is at this park?
There is grass, woodchips, and cement court.
Are there public toilets?
No. There are no public bathrooms.

Maintenance:

Is there graffiti, vandalism, or litter at this park?
No. The park is very well maintained.
Is the park well maintained?
Yes. The park is very well maintained and it is very green.
Are there any park identification signs?
There are two park identification signs.

Park Safety:

Please comment on the safety of the park and the surrounding area. Do you feel comfortable at this park?
The park looks safe but it is too small and there is only one entrance and exit. Also, there the park is located in an isolated area where there are not a lot of people present. Plus the park is closed at night.
Would you feel safe walking through the park at night?
No because there is no lighting provided at the park. However, there isn’t a need for lighting because the park is not opened at night.
Does the park feel isolated?
Yes. The park does feel isolated because the park is on a dead end street. So not a lot of people know about the park but it looks nice during the day.
Is there lighting in the park?
The park has only one light but that is because the park is closed at night. Therefore, lighting isn’t really necessary.

Recommendations:

Do you have any recommendations for how this park could be bettered?
The park is very nice, so I would recommend that they provide lighting to attract more people to the park.