Longwood Park — Hayward

Longwood park is a great pitstop on the way to one of our favorite walking spots.

Longwood Park in Hayward is tucked back in a residential area snug between two schools. There isn’t a gate separating the park from the road (usually a must with toddlers) but the huge grass area between the sidewalk and play structure was comforting. There were lots of picnic tables near the play structure as well as benches every 10 feet or so around the whole wood-chipped play area (mommas gotta sit am I right?)

There are two bucket swings and two standard swings. The play structure has many access points (stairs, ladder, arch ladder, swirl ladder) but just one slide (spiral style). There are some features for older kids (balance beam, monkey bars, zip track, a gymnastics bar, and climbing wall). Behind the structure is another grassy area perfect for picnicking or a game of kickball. There’s a paved pathway around the playground for light walking and a basketball court tucked to the side.

There are no bathrooms and no noticeable drinking fountains. Street parking.