Ruus Park — Hayward

Ruus is a park near an open campus school (double dip) with rolling grassy areas, shade trees, and chances for birdwatching.

This park has a large open grassy area with a couple of small hills perfect for a picnic, open bathrooms, picnic bench areas with bbq under a tree grove,a good size playground, and, if you’re up for a walk, a bonus play structure at the school (there’s no fence so we felt it was okay to go check it out). There’s plenty of street parking but look out for street sweeping signs.

The playground at the park has two structures, two separate swing sets, and a sandbox (that needs a lot of attention). There’s a third swing set (I’m guessing for a tire swing), but it’s not there.

The larger structure has three slides (spiral, double, straight), steps, ladders, a small hang-out tunnel underneath, monkey bars, and a bridge.

The smaller structure has two slides (one is boarded off), steps, a ladder, a bridge, and a couple of learning activities (plus a Dino with a hole for your head. Who doesn’t want to be a Dino?!)

The playground at the school has all the must-haves including lots of climbing bars. There are also full basketball courts with nets plus other fun blacktop games painted (like four square and hopscotch).

BUT(!!!!) my favorite thing about this park.... ...

In the HUGE eucalyptus trees there are snowy egret nests! A couple of handfuls of beautiful birds flying around and talking to each other. We just sat and watched them for a while. It was truly magical.