Calling All Volunteers - Your Help Is Needed

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) has many volunteer opportunities available for those wishing to enrich their lives by making a difference in their community.  Whether you are a student who needs to fufill community service hour requirements or you are an adult who just wants to be of help to others, the district has a volunteer role for everyone.  Although its volunteers donate over 90,000 hours each year additional help is regularly sought.

Here is an excerpt from the H.A.R.D. web page about its volunteer program and how you can get involved.

From the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District -

Why Volunteer?

The benefits of being a volunteer are many. Your presence in the program enhances the quality of life in greater Hayward Area. (The district has programs in not only Hayward but parts of the unincorporated areas of Alameda County, including Castro Valley).

Here are some ways volunteering can enrich your life. You can gain valuable work experience, explore new careers, learn a new skill, earn academic credit, meet new friends, help others in need and have fun. Fill out a Volunteer Application then either email it to volunteer@haywardrec.org or physically mail it to 1099 E Street, Hayward CA 94541.
Once your application is received you will then complete an orientation and training process and depending on what program you are volunteering for you may be required to have your fingerprints taken.

If I am under 18 can I still volunteer?

Yes you can! Volunteer Hayward takes volunteers of all ages. If you are under the age of 18 you will need your parent or guardians permission.

If you are a local student that is looking to fulfill service hours for school we can help you with that too.

How to contact a site or programs directly for volunteer opportunities?

The numbers for each department are listed below. Ask the staff about scheduling a visit for that specific recreation program. Get to know the staff and environment. Ask for a job description. Decide whether the volunteer job, environment, and time commitment are a good match for you.

Contact sites & program directly for volunteer opportunities (All are 510 area codes.)

881-6735 - Adobe Art Gallery in Castro Valley
317-2314 - Adult Sports
881-6703 - Aquatics
881-6735 - Art
881-6755 – Ashland Community Center
317-2300 - Skywest Golf Course
888-0200 - Mission Hills of Hayward Golf Course
670-7270 - Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
670-7275 - Kennedy Park
881-6717 - Parks Department
317-2302 - Playgrounds Programs
881-6778 - Programs for the Disabled
881-6721 - Photography
881-6766 - Hayward Area Senior Center
881-6747 - Sulphur Creek Nature Center - download forms
881-6738 - Kenneth C. Aitken Senior Center Castro Valley
881-6717 - Park Department
888-0102 - Volunteer Services - download application