Don Castro Regional Recreation Area is a 101-acre park on the line between Hayward and Castro Valley. Wikipedia places it in Fairview, and it is part of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Made by a dam
The park district says the swim lagoon and the lake next to it were created in 1964, when the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District dammed San Lorenzo Creek. The lagoon's clear water has long been a favorite with central Alameda County families.
Swimming in 2027
If you're hoping for a swim, you'll have to wait. The district says the Don Castro swim lagoon will reopen for the 2027 season. When it is open, lagoon access costs $5 for ages 18 to 61 and $3 for children 2 to 17 and adults 62 and older or with disabilities. Kids under 2 swim free. Only ADA-trained service dogs are allowed in the swim area.
Hours and fees
- Parking lot hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from March through October, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from November through February.
- Fees: None from October through May. From June through September, parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays.
- Cashless: The kiosk takes cards and tap to pay only.
Getting there
Coming from San Leandro on eastbound I-580, take the Grove Way exit and turn right onto Grove Way, then turn left on Center Street, left on Kelly and left on Woodroe to the entrance. On transit, take AC Transit route 95 from Hayward BART to Kelly Street and Woodroe Avenue. Buses don't enter the park, so expect about a 10-minute walk.