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.