Great parks are like open-air portraits of their neighborhoods—how people play, what they celebrate, and things they care about show up in their design. Two East Bay standouts, Castro Valley Community Park and San Leandro’s Washington Manor Park, are fantastic examples of gathering spaces where culture and community collide.

Castro Valley Community Center & Park

Operated by the Hayward Area Recreation & Park District, the Castro Valley Community Center is a neighborhood hub for classes, celebrations, and gatherings—complete with a rentable main hall, kitchen, patio, playground, and even a small stage!

Step outside and the Castro Valley Community Park unfolds with reservable picnic sites, baseball field, basketball and tennis courts, and a large children’s play area with a seasonal splash pad. The park also hosts Chanticleers Theatre—a beloved “little theatre in the park”—right on the grounds.

When I was there recently, I saw a children’s karate class taking place on the open lawn and another instructor with his student practicing wooden swordsmanship. This park is truly a space where diversity in community shines.

Washington Manor Park

A few miles southwest in San Leandro, Washington Manor Park anchors its neighborhood with 15 acres of amenities including tennis and basketball courts, two softball areas, playgrounds, barbecue pits, a jogging loop around an expansive lawn, and reservable picnic areas. With a permit, inflatables are allowed in designated spaces, making it an ideal location for birthday parties and community events.

The showpiece within the park is the newly re-opened San Leandro Family Aquatic Center, which offers a zero-depth activity pool and water play structure, three 25-yard lap lanes, a spray ground, and a 17-foot water slide, plus family changing rooms, showers, and day-use lockers. Most impressive is the huge bucket of water suspended above the activity pool that spills over when full!

On any given day, you can see seniors from the surround neighborhood exercising together, playing games, and even singing. A rare sight of pure joy and harmony.

Why these Parks Matter

These parks aren’t just places to pass through or walk your dog—they’re where local culture and community are on full display. Pick-up games after work, aunties organizing potlucks, kids learning to swim, neighbors gathering for performances, it’s all happening at these parks! So, let’s celebrate these parks and gather in them because when public spaces are designed well enough that the community can see itself in them, that’s magic.

What are your favorite East Bay parks? Email us to let us know! 

Planning a party in San Leandro? Whether it’s a birthday bash, wedding reception, graduation, or backyard BBQ, party rentals make the experience special, a lot more comfortable, and a ton of fun. Family Party Rentals is here to help make your event one to remember!

Things to Consider While Planning Your Event

Guest Count: Always plan seating and shade for your maximum attendance.

Location: Outdoor parties offer connection to nature, built in activities, more space, and to top it off, they're completely free or very low cost! If you're planning an outdoor event, make sure to consider the comfort of your guests, particularly people who are elderly or whose mobility may be restricted. These guests might need seating, shade, or an indoor option altogether. For indoor events, create various options for seating and places to perch food and drinks. Don't shy away from moving furniture to maximize space! For all events, consider how your guests will flow through the space, ensuring logical and convenient access to beverages, food, and activities. 

Type of Event: Weddings are typically more formal and might need specific decor and food that match the wedding party's aesthetic. A kids’ party is a lot more casual and needs fun, interactive pieces. No matter if you're planning a formal or casual event, consider the needs of all your guests from food, beverages, comfort, sound/music, activities, and environment. Being thoughtful of your guests is the hallmark of a true host!

Venue Layout: Know your space measurements to select the right tables, tents, and seating. Also, consider how your guests will enter your event and flow through the space, especially if you are planning structured activities. For example, try not to ask your guests to walk all the way across the park to play freeze tag. And find a location not too far from a restroom for goodness sake! Use basic logic to ensure activity locations and guest flow make sense. Everyone will have a better time if you do!

Timeline: Timing is everything and a great party always has a start and an end. In advance of your party, think through the timeline of your event, from set-up, cooking time, guest arrival, official start, activities, food service, end time, and clean-up. You might try sharing a pared-down event timeline with your guests of when things will happen (special toast, cake cutting, activity, etc.). I've tried this before and it gave structure to my event and my guests had something to look forward to throughout the party. 

Parks and Outdoor Spaces in San Leandro

San Leandro offers many parks and outdoor spaces. Here are some of our favorites! 

Marina Park

Washington Manor Park

Siempre Verde Park

Mulford Gardens

Event Types We Serve in San Leandro and Surrounding Areas

Kids’ birthday parties

Weddings & receptions

Small workplace events

Graduations

Community events & fundraisers

Why Choose Family Party Rentals

Affordable rental and delivery rates

Simple and straightforward online reservation system

Good quality and clean equipment

Friendly, professional service

Reliable on-time delivery

Flexible options for last-minute bookings

Ready to plan your next event in San Leandro? Make your reservation on our website today!