Mia’s Dream Come True Playground in South Hayward stands as a testament to community spirit and inclusive play. This remarkable all-abilities playground, nestled within Tennyson Park, offers a vibrant and welcoming space for children of all backgrounds and abilities. More than just swings and slides, Mia’s Dream Come True is a thoughtfully designed landscape where imagination meets accessibility, creating a haven for families and photographers alike. Let’s explore the features that make this playground a dream destination, and why it’s perfect for capturing those precious, joyful moments in dream come true playground photos.
A Playground Designed for Everyone: Exploring Mia’s Dream
Inspired by Mia Vasquez and brought to life by the Make a Wish Foundation and local donors, this playground is a true community endeavor. The fully gated space ensures safety and peace of mind, while the open layout prevents overcrowding, even on busy days. As you step inside Mia’s Dream Come True, you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail and the commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
Welcome to Mia’s Dream Come True Playground in Hayward
The playground boasts a wide array of features designed for diverse needs. From accessible play structures and swings to specialized slides and sensory materials, every element is carefully chosen to ensure that children of all abilities can engage and play together. The surfaces are primarily cushy rubber mat and Astro-turf, making wheelchair navigation smooth and easy throughout most of the park. For added convenience, automated Exeloo toilets are available, further enhancing the park’s accessibility.
Hayward Landmarks Reimagined for Play
What truly sets Mia’s Dream Come True apart is its imaginative incorporation of Hayward’s local landmarks. These elements not only add a unique charm but also create engaging play zones that spark curiosity and learning.
Representing the Hayward Shoreline, the playground entrance features a delightful boat and humpback whale duo. These aren’t just static figures; they are climbable structures that playfully mist water, adding a touch of whimsy. Nearby, a merry-go-round provides classic spinning fun on the soft, safe rubber flooring.
Children can climb on whale structures at Hayward playground
A vibrant Hayward Fire Truck, donated by the local fire department, serves as an exciting playhouse. Complete with a rolling pin slide, climbing rope, and double rider rocking toys, it offers a multi-sensory play experience. An embedded trampoline adds an extra bounce of fun right next to the firetruck.
Hayward fire department donated firetruck for playground fun
Roller slide and trampoline at Mia's Dream Come True Playground
Honoring Hayward Airport, a large airplane structure functions as a swing set. It’s equipped with all types of swings: all-abilities, bucket, standard, and even a Liberty Swing designed for wheelchairs. This ensures every child can experience the joy of swinging.
Accessible airplane swing set at Hayward's Mia's Dream Playground
A miniature replica of the iconic Hayward Cannery water tower stands as a lookout deck and slide, offering panoramic views of the playground. The Sulphur Creek area is represented by a covered barn with climbing tree stumps, a large climb-on caterpillar, a wide slide, a giant flower sculpture, and charming animal cutouts.
Play structure inspired by Sulphur Creek at Hayward playground
Hayward landmarks miniature play features at Mia's Dream Playground
Slide at Mini Sulphur Creek Barn in Hayward playground
Behind the Sulphur Creek barn, rubber hills mimic the Hayward Hills, providing different climbing challenges. A standing teeter-totter, bridge-like and wide enough for a wheelchair, adds another element of inclusive fun.
Beyond Play Structures: Comfort and Accessibility
Mia’s Dream Come True goes beyond just play structures, offering various areas designed for relaxation and sensory engagement. A quiet corner with reading chairs and Little Free Libraries provides a peaceful retreat. A musical area with mallets, drums, and electric instruments encourages auditory exploration. A natural ground area with climbing rocks offers a different tactile experience. Seating is plentiful throughout the park, ensuring comfortable resting spots are always within reach.
Inclusive playground features at Hayward's Mia's Dream Playground
The state-of-the-art Exeloo toilets are a notable feature, offering an automated and clean restroom experience, complete with music and touch-free operation.
State-of-the-art Exeloo toilets at inclusive playground
Capturing Memories: Dream Come True Playground Photos
For parents and photographers, Mia’s Dream Come True Playground offers countless opportunities to capture joyful moments. The vibrant colors, imaginative structures, and happy children create picture-perfect scenes. Whether you’re aiming for candid shots of kids exploring the play areas or posed portraits against the backdrop of the Hayward-inspired features, you’ll find endless inspiration for dream come true playground photos.
Consider these photo opportunities:
- Action shots: Capture children climbing the whale, sliding down the fire truck, or swinging on the airplane swings.
- Candid moments: Photograph kids laughing on the merry-go-round, exploring the musical instruments, or reading in the quiet corner.
- Detail shots: Focus on the unique design elements, like the water tower slide, the animal cutouts in the Sulphur Creek barn, or the accessible swing details.
- Portraits: Use the colorful playground features as backdrops for memorable portraits of your children enjoying their time.
Plan Your Visit to Mia’s Dream Come True
Located at 28377 Huntwood Avenue at Tennyson Road in South Hayward, Mia’s Dream Come True Playground is open daily from 8:30 am to 8 pm. As a public park, there are no entrance fees or reservations required. Disabled parking is available in the lot, with street parking for others. While the water misters provide a gentle cooling effect, it’s advisable to bring hats and sunscreen on sunny days.
Mia’s Dream Come True Playground is more than just a park; it’s a testament to inclusivity, community, and the power of dreams. It’s a place where every child can play, explore, and create lasting memories. Don’t miss the chance to experience and photograph the magic of this dream come true playground.
