CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2026
PRESENTATIONS
Item #1
RPT 26-021
Hayward Area
Recreation and
Park District:
Comprehensive
Update on Current
Operations
Hayward Area Recreation
and Park District
Creating Community Through People, Parks and Programs
Attachment I
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) is an independent special district established in 1944 to manage and operate parks and recreational facilities and provide programs and services for the City of Hayward and unincorporated Alameda County including Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, and San Lorenzo. An elected five- member Board of Directors governs H.A.R.D., they develop policy and exercise oversight of property tax revenues, user fees, and the recently approved $250-million-dollar Measure F- 1 Bond.
The Board of Directors and District Staff work to achieve the District’s Mission “to enrich the quality of life for all community members by providing a wide range of recreational activities, parks, and facilities that meet the diverse needs and interests of the entire community and promote health, well-being, learning, and fun.”
H.A.R.D. has committed to providing a wide range of programming and activities for all ages, and accessible/inclusive recreational opportunities for all community members, including special programs and services for seniors, people with disabilities, and low- income families within the District’s jurisdiction.
H.A.R.D. Board of Directors
President
Sara Lamnin
Term: 2022-2026
Vice President
Rick J. Hatcher
Term: 2024-2028
Secretary
Peter Rosen
Term: 2024-2028
Director
Paul W. Hodges, Jr.
Term: 2022-2026
Director
Louis M. Andrade
Term: 2024-2028
Board of Directors and General Manager
• Transitioned from at-large to by-district
elections
• Developed Board orientation and additional
training opportunities
• Monitoring of the District's Strategic Plan
District Departments
• General Manager's Office
• District Clerk, Analyst, Communications, Government Relations, Public Safety/Rangers • Administrative Services Department
• Finance, Human Resources, IT
• Capital Planning and Development Department
• Measure F1 250 Million Dollar Bond Administration
• Parks and Facility Maintenance Department
• Custodial, Facility Maintenance, Park Maintenance, Fleet • Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department
• Classes, Facility Rentals, Outdoor Recreation, Camps, Swim Centers, Douglas Morrison Theatre, Arts, Special Events
District-wide
Size and
Scope
107
Parks and Fields
28 Soccer Fields
42 Baseball/Softball Fields
21 Recreation Facilities
89 Playgrounds
1 Gym
4 Swimming Pools
1 Golf Course
46 Tennis/Pickleball Courts
10 Miles of Trails
41 Full/17 Half
Basketball Courts
6 Dog Parks
53 Reservable Picnic Sites
4 Fitness Courts
Hayward
Size and
Scope
51 Parks and Fields
13 Soccer Fields
28 Baseball/Softball Fields
17 Recreation Facilities
48 Playgrounds
1 Gym
2 Swimming Pools
1 Golf Course
21 Tennis/Pickleball Courts
9 Miles of Trails
30 Full/9 Half
Basketball Courts
1 Dog Parks
34 Reservable Picnic Sites
4 Fitness Courts
District Amenities and Initiatives
• Park Evaluation Scores
• PlacerAI
• Verizon Network Fleet
• Community Survey and Need Assessment
Data Driven Decision Making
• Core program models
• Equity-based programming
• Updated program evaluations for improved user input
• Assets and programming based on community priorities from the community survey and needs assessment
New and Other Initiatives
Improved Accessibility
•Creation of a District-wide inclusion working group
•Expansion of adaptive recreation programming
•Growth of access-for-all program by 280%
•ADA Transition Plan
ADA Improvements at Sorensdale Park
General Manager's Office
• Emergency operations
• Emergency operations center handbook
• Emergency operations plan
• Incident command system training
• Focus on interagency agreements
• Alameda County
• City of Hayward
• Critical communication plan
Recreation and Mental Health
Administrative Services Department
General Fund Revenue by Source
• 77% of funding comes
from property tax
and special
assessment revenue
• Total General Fund
revenue in FY2024-25
amounted to $46.6
million
Stewardship of Financial Assets
• Internal service funds: mechanisms established to fund major equipment replacement and Section 115 Pension Trust
• Reserves policy: adopted
3/13/17, targets met by 2022
• Balanced budget: ensuring
fiscal stability into the future
• Long-range planning:
envisioning & implementing
solutions to future needs
• Exemplary credit:
Moody's AAA Rating
(highest available)
Human Resources
• In House Recruitment
• 21 Total Full-Time Employees (13%)
• 13 Full-Time Employees promoted or transferred to higher level • 220 hourly employees were hired in 2025
• 5 Rangers 115 Hourly 100 Rehires
• 89 total Hourly Employees promoted or transferred in 2025. • Largest Employer of Youth in the District: 146 hourly employees were between the ages of 16-21 at time of hire
Human Resources
• Developing and training District employees
• Learning Management System (LMS)
• Foster workplace engagement (Fridays and staff picnic)
Modernization & Efficiency in IT
• $2.2 million investment in information technology, including network modernization and security across 24 locations
• Continued implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) • New VOIP phone systems
• IT Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan
• Migrating services and files to the Cloud
Recreation, Arts and Community
Services Department
Afterschool Arts
• Nearly 40,000 registrations through our fee
classes in 2024.
• 5,000 youth served through summer camp
• 53% increase since 2019
• 200,000+ through senior centers, aquatics
centers, 42 special events, and much more.
• $200,000 of fees waived for 50 community
partners for facility and park rentals
Recreation, Arts & Community Services
Community Impact
Recreation For All
• 400% Increase in Amount of Scholarship Awarded
• H.A.R.D.'s Health Equity Initiative
• Over $1.2 million in free programs since 2022
• 1,400 weeks of free summer camp
• Water Safety Initiative – 9,000 Free Swim Lessons
• Equity in Outdoor Education/Arts Access
• Mobile Recreation/Special Events
• After school Arts Education program at Weekes
• Play H.A.R.D. after school sports league
• Monthly series of free teen events
• Outdoor education program for teens
• Arts access
Significant Investment in Youth and Teens
• Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
• Adaptive sports programming
• Opening of Challenge Course (high/low ropes course)
• Drowning Prevention at Cherryland Elementary
• Alameda County Agricultural History Center
Looking forward...
Parks and Facilities
Maintenance Department
Parks and Facilities Maintenance
• Data and Metrics for Efficient Resource Allocation
• Park evaluations data and scores
• Community survey and needs assessments
• Placer.ai for park and facility visit data
• Energy Efficiency Projects
• HVAC
• Lighting
• New roofs & solar
• Pumps & Wells
Park Initiatives
• Safety in Hayward parks
• TRUCRS (CARB) compliance and reporting
• EV fleet additions
• Charging stations at HARD sites
• Graffiti abatement program implementation
New Parks and Trails
• New Signs at parks
• Maps
• Hayward Community Gardens
• Compost
• Tree nursery
• Park Renovations and Projects
• FEMA repair and mitigation (22 projects)
Capital and Planning Department
• The Department was created in 2017
• Voter approval of Measure F-1 by 78%
• 250 Million Dollar Bond, Recently expended 125 million, sold round two of 85 million in 2023, last round will be 40 million
• Raised over $55 Million in Grants for New Parks and Trails • Check out more projects at www.HaywardRec.org/Hardatwork
Current Projects
Bidwell Community Center
Construction anticipated to start early 2026
Carol Pereira Park
D & Clay – 1350 E Street
Currently in Design Development Phase. Construction estimated to start late 2026/early 2027.
Mt. Eden Park Renovation
Under construction. Anticipated Completion Summer 2026.
Hayward Plunge
Anticipated completion in summer 2026. Project cost $5M
Complete Projects
Alden E Oliver Sports Park
Renovation of two soccer fields was completed in May 2019. Project cost $2.3M 2025 Visitors: 932,620
Mission Hills Golf Course Driving Range
Construction was completed in May 2019. Top Tracer was added. Total project cost was $3.3M.
2025 Golf Course and Driving Range Visitors: 130,237
Fitness Courts
Construction completed was completed in 2019 with a project cost of $750K.
Eden Greenway
Cypress and Harder, Hayward
Tennyson Park
Panjon and Huntwood, Hayward
Alden E. Oliver Sports Park
2580 Eden Park Place, Hayward
Currently adding Fitness Courts to Bidwell,
Birchfield, and Mt Eden Parks.
Hayward Community Gardens
Construction completed in 2019. Project cost $1.2M
2025 Visitors: 11,185
Hayward Area Senior Center
Construction completed in with 2019. Project cost $5.7M 2025 Visitors: 21,710
Kennedy Park Renovation
Construction was completed in April 2022 with a project cost $19M 2025 Visitors: 435,958
Palma Ceia Park
Renovated playground, picnic areas, pathways, story walk and new outdoor fitness court. Total Project cost $1.5 M. Completed in 2024.
2025 Visitors: 28,842
Southgate Park
Renovated playground, picnic areas, pickleball courts and a disc golf course. Project was completed in 2024 with a total project cost of $1.7M.
2025 Visitors: 84,500
Mia's All Abilities Playground and
Tennyson Park Renovation
Tennyson construction was completed in 2025 with total cost of $11.5M. 2025 Visitors: 121, 3502025 Visitors: 102, 638
Weekes Community Park
Basketball, Tennis & Pickleball Court
Renovations completed in 2023v
Picnic Area Renovations completed in 2021
2025 Visitors: 116,925
Total cost of these improvements was $720 K. There is funding allocated in the CIP for additional improvements.
Skate Park Renovation – Stratford Village Park
This renovation was completed in 2025 with a project cost of $55,200.
Trails Maps and Signage
This was completed in 2026 with a project cost of $115K.
Basketball and Tennis Court Renovations
Canyon View Park
Centennial Park
Greenwood Park
Haymont Mini Park
Longwood Park
Mt. Eden Park
Nuestro Parquecito
Oliver Sports Park
Silver Springs Park
Southgate Park
Spring Grove Park
Twin Bridges Park
Weekes Community Park
These parks are a part of a three phases repairs, total cost for all three phases is $5M
Energy Efficient Project
Energry Efficent project was completion in 2026 with a total project cost of $12.5M with a $29M return in cost savings.
• HVAC Upgrades
• Lighting Upgrade
• Thermostat
replacement
• Building Envelope
Sealing
• Transformers
• Low Flow Fixtures
• Solar PV
• New Roofs
Regional Projects
Sunset Futsal Courts
Futsal construction was completed in 2022 with a project cost of $3.4M. • 2 Adult Courts/4 Youth Courts
• Entry Kiosk
• Restrooms
• Seating
• Fencing
• ADA Parking
• Signage
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
Construction was completed in 2024, with a total project cost of $1.1M 2025 Visitors: 33,234
Outdoor Environmental Education Facility Grant Project
Unity Park
Unity Park was opened to the public in June 2025. The total project cost were $4.7M for acquisition and $2.3 M for development.
2025 Visitors: 21,753
Agricultural History Center at Meek Park
Agricultural DemonstrationCarriage House
Historic Displays
Regional Educational Center was opened to the public in October 2025 with a total project cost of $600K.
Challenge Course
The challenge course is located at Rowell Ranch. The project was completed in December 2025, with a total project cost of $175 K.
• $27 million
grant funded
• 7-mile trail
through the
District
Foundation
• Strategic fundraising for sustainable growth and community impact • Enhanced public awareness through communications and digital engagement for community connectivity – Ninja Warrior
• Enhanced support for and alignment with HARD’s strategic goals • Created the Youth Ambassador Program
• Launch a multi-million-dollar capital campaign to renovate the Sulphur Creek Discovery Museum and a new aquatic center in Hayward • Developed the I Heart H.A.R.D. Initiative
Hayward Area Recreation & Park
District Foundation
Thank You!!!
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
James Wheeler, General Manager
[email protected]
Item #7
PH 26-008
Report on City of
Hayward
Vacancies; and
Recruitment and
Retention Efforts
AB 2561 Presentation:
Status of City of Hayward
Vacancies and Recruitment &
Retention Efforts
Public Hearing
February 2026
Attachment II
Brief Overview of AB 2561 Report Summary
Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561), codified in Government Code Section 3502.3, was signed into law on September 22, 2024, and went into effect on January 1, 2025. This bill requires public agencies to hold a public hearing to address the status of job vacancies prior to the adoption of the upcoming final budget. During this public hearing, the City must present information on the status of vacancies and the City’s recruitment and retention efforts. If necessary, the City will identify necessary changes to policies, procedures, or recruitment activities that may lead to obstacles in the hiring process. This public hearing will ensure compliance with the new law. If vacancies within a single bargaining unit meet or exceed 20% of authorized full-time positions in that bargaining unit, upon request of the recognized employee organization for that bargaining unit, the City must provide additional information during the public hearing.
Key requirements under AB 2561:
Bargaining groups are:
Allowed to attend public hearings
Given the opportunity to present their input
Public agencies must report on:
Staffing vacancies
Recruitment efforts
Retention strategies
Identify hiring challenges
Outline strategies and offer recommendations
If a bargaining unit has a vacancy rate over 20%:
The agency must provide additional
recruitment-related data
Attachment II
Citywide Vacancy Data FY 2025 - 2026
# of CountFY 2025 – 2026 (July 1, 2025 - January 30, 2026) 956.3# of Budgeted FTE
977# of Total Positions
135# of Viable Vacancies as of January 30, 2026
26# of New Hires
39# of Promotions
93# of Separations
13.82% Vacancy Rate
# of CountFY 2025 – 2026 (July 1, 2025 - January 30, 2026) 14# of Layoffs
12# of VSIP
67# of Other Separations (Retirement, Voluntary Separations, etc) Separation Data FY 2025-2026
Attachment II
Citywide Bargaining Group Vacancy Information
Vacancy Data as of January 30, 2026
Vacancy Rate# of Viable
Vacancies
# of Total PositionsTotal Budgeted FTE
Position Count
Bargaining Group
6.15%8130130IAFF Local 1909
0%088IAFF Local 1909 Fire Officer’s
0%022Fire Chief’s Association
12.44%24193193Hayward Police Officers’ Association
0%044Hayward Police Management
18.01%38211193.3SEIU 1021 Clerical
15.33%21137137SEIU 1021 Maintenance
12.61%15119116.5IFPTE Local 21
16.07%18112111.5Hayward Association of Management
Attachment II
Citywide Employee Group Vacancy Information
Vacancy Data as of January 30, 2026
Vacancy Rate# of Viable Vacancies# of Total PositionsTotal Budgeted FTE Position Count
Employee Group
0%033City Appointed
0%077Mayor and Council
33.33%103030Unrepresented Employees (Exempt)
0%099Unrepresented Employees (Non-
Exempt)
8.33%11212Unrepresented Employees
(Executives)
Attachment II
General Fund Vacancy Information
Vacant Position CountEmployee Group
11Hayward Association of Management Employee
24Hayward Police Officers’ Association
8IAFF Local 1909
12IFPTE Local 21
31SEIU 1021 Clerical
1SEIU 1021 Maintenance
6Unpresented Employees (Exempt)
1Unpresented Employees (Executives)
Attachment II
Hiring
Incentives
Streamline
Recruitment
Efficiencies
Elevate
Candidate
Experience
Community
Partnership
Classification/
Compensation
Reviews
Recruitment Efforts for July 1 , 2025 – January 30, 2026:
• Total # of Job Postings: 37
• Promotional Only Recruitments:7
• # of Applications Received:2564
• Total # of Eligibility Lists Created: 62
• Total # of Vacancies Filled: 65
Recruitment Strategies
Attachment II