The Hayward Japanese Gardens are the oldest Japanese garden

Japanese garden

, that is, gardens in traditional Japanese style, can be found at private homes, in neighborhood or city parks, and at historical landmarks such as Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and old castles....

s in California designed along traditional lines. They are maintained by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is the park management agency for most of the parks in the city of Hayward, California and environs. It was created in 1944 and is an independent special district under California law. H.A.R.D. is the largest recreation district in California...

 (HARD).

History

The site formerly housed the Hayward High School

Hayward High School

Hayward High School is a public high school in Hayward, California, one of four high schools in the city. It is one of the oldest high schools in Northern California. The official mascot for Hayward High is the "Farmer" which dates back to Hayward's period as an agricultural center...

agricultural studies program, from 1913 to 1962. The land was designated as a future park site in 1962, with HARD beginning the acquisition process in 1972. The park's current area was fully acquired by 1976, and the park was dedicated in 1980.

Design

The garden, following Japanese garden design principles, uses California native stone and plants. No stains were used on the wood constructions. Nails and fasteners are recessed, and all wood was notched, and aged, to simulate the appearance of a traditional Japanese garden.

Activities

Weddings are conducted at the Gardens. They are adjacent to the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, which is also operated by HARD.