John F Kennedy Park

Kennedy Park is a large, multi-use public park located in Hayward, California. Spanning 13.3 acres, it is managed by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) and is the most heavily used recreational area in Hayward.

The park underwent a major renovation that was completed in April 2022, with a total project cost of $19.2 million. The renovated park features a farm-themed design throughout its facilities. A central play area includes custom farm-themed playground equipment like a tractor, barn, truck, and "corn maze".

For younger visitors, Kennedy Park offers several amusement rides that operate on weekends. These include a historic carousel built in 1955, a miniature train ride that circles the park on a narrow gauge track, and a new teacup ride added during the recent renovation. The park also previously had a petting zoo, though this area is now used for animal education programs and occasional visits from animals at a nearby nature center.

In addition to the themed playground and rides, Kennedy Park provides ample space for picnics and gatherings. The park contains numerous picnic areas with tables, including many under shaded pavilions. There are also informal lawn areas, improved pathways, and new bocce courts added during the renovation.

Kennedy Park is situated adjacent to the historic McConaghy House, which was built in 1886 and is now operated as a museum. A new event lawn area was created between the park and the historic house to better connect the two spaces.