happyly approved

Ruus Park and Playground

Ruus Park, Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA, USA

24 hrs

$

playground

Ruus is a park near an open campus school (double dip) with rolling grassy areas, shade trees, and chances for birdwatching.

This park has a large open grassy area with a couple small hills perfect for a picnic, open bathrooms, picnic bench areas with bbq under a tree grove,a good size playground and, if you’re up for a walk, a bonus play structure at the school (there’s no fence so we felt it was okay to go check it out). There’s plenty of street parking but look out for street sweeping signs.

The playground at the park has two structures, two separate swing sets, and a sand box (that needs a lot of attention). There’s a third swing set (I’m guessing for a tire swing), but it’s not there.

The larger structure has three slides (spiral, double, straight), steps, ladders, a small hang-out tunnel underneath, monkey bars and a bridge.

The smaller structure has two slides (one is boarded off), steps, a ladder, a bridge, and a couple of learning activities (plus a Dino with a hole for your head. Who doesn’t want to be a Dino?!)

The playground at the school has all the must haves including lots of climbing bars. There are also full basketball courts with nets plus other fun blacktop games painted (like four square and hopscotch).

BUT(!!!!) my favorite thing about this park.... 🥁🥁🥁...

In the HUGE eucalyptus trees there are snowy egret nests! A couple handfuls of beautiful birds flying around and talking to each other. We just sat and watched them for a while. It was truly magical. 🤩

Features

Restrooms Good for All Ages Outdoor Seating Playground Dog-friendly Baseball Sandbox
Thoughtfully captured by:
Jessie Fritzen
Jessie relocated to the Bay Area in 2013 to be a high school math teacher and since has gotten married, has two kids, and is now a SAHM, stay/slay at home mom. She enjoys working on her embroidery crafts and taking her kids to local playgrounds and regional nature parks, both of which were activities she became passionate about during the pandemic when she needed an outlet and a way to maintain her mental health. She loves encouraging local families and visitors alike to laugh, play, and explore. There’s so much to see and do so get outside and do it! #amom2kidsandapark
More activities by Jessie
Small gated playground on The Embarcadero across from the ferry building
Easy walk to Hayward Shoreline for great views of the bay and encounters with nature.
A big open park with a climbing structure, zip line, hillside slide, bike paths and more.

Recommended Gear