Palomares Hills Park

"Fun place for kids to play, have a BBQ, or go on a hike. The hill has a wonderful view! I would 95% recommend this park! I did fall on my face here though. But that's because it was dark, so you probably shouldn't stay till late."

"a review from @amom2kidsandapark Such a great park on the eastern side of Castro Valley that has trails, playground, and sports fields The play area has two structures and a swing set (standard and bucket swings). The smaller structure has a double slide, stairs, ladders, and a bridge. The larger structure has two slides (spiral and straight), stairs, ladders, a bridge, monkey bars, a gymnastics bar, and a climbing wall with holes not rocks. There are plenty of picnic tables and a bathroom near the play area. Behind the playground is a trail that follows the upper rim of the park. It’s an easy walk but there are stairs. Follow the path along the park edge and you’ll circle around the large grassy field and exercise equipment. Across the street is the baseball field. To the left of the baseball field is the Palomares Hills vista trail. This trail is mostly paved but a few sets of stairs at the start and a bunch of stairs at the end. It could be stroller friendly if you didn’t mind going up about 20 steps (then down on the way back) and forfeiting the stairs at the end (since you have to walk right down them to get back to the park since the trail ends at the top. You could also take the neighborhood streets but it’s a longer walk). It was such a nice walk. Not too long but beautiful views at the top. It’s mostly uncovered so not a great idea for a hot day. Along the path are numbered light boxes. We liked anticipating and finding the next number. There are bathrooms. Street parking. On weekends and evening this is a hot spot for Hayward Rec activities including soccer for all ages."

"Place to enjoy nature on the hill and opportunities to dance, playground for babies, walking around and more. ;)"

"Palomares Park is a charming little open spaced park. Playground equipment, open restrooms, picnic tables, accommodations to walk your dog. All good. One thing, However, which needs attention. The park has a trail, accessed by concrete stairs on both sides of the park, parallel to the street. Lining the trail, (which is made of asphalt and is in horrible shape) is a stand of eucalyptus trees. Dry, some fallen, a carpet of dry eucalyptus leaves and branches on the ground. Above the park, up the hillside, are homes in Palomares Hills Community. I would recommend some real inspection and immediate attention to this area in light of high temperatures and the call to prepare a fire safety plan. East Bay Regional Park District, Alameda County Fire Department, Palomares Hills Homeowners Association -- please don't pass the buck. Work together proactively to make and keep this community safe. Thank you."

"A small and nice park, has a good playground, but there's a very bad smell from the restrooms and open access from the playground to the street, so not too safe for small kids like toddlers. Have to keep a very close eye on them and keep chasing them... It would be good if there was a gate from the street. Pavements up the hill are in a very bad shape. It's good when it's hot, as it has trees and provides a shade, but otherwise it can be cold and windy - sometimes I get sick if I stay longer... It's conveniently located to home, but some things could be improved... Also there are no flowers, so I think it could be prettier, too..."