News Flash

At Mia's Dream All Abilities Playground, laughter fills the air, kids race from play structure to swing, and families connect in a space designed for everyone. For longtime volunteer Mike Baratta, it’s more than a park—it’s his “happy place.” Built with community support–including funding in part from Measure F1–Mia’s Dream is a place where everyone belongs.

A Quiet Commitment to Community 

Mike doesn’t seek the spotlight. Described as gentle, kind, and quietly driven, he shows up week after week simply because he cares. 

“I enjoy a day in the park—it’s the greatest thing in the world,” he says. 

Whether it’s helping maintain the space with trash pickup on the first and third weekends, or stepping in where he’s needed most, Mike’s approach to volunteering is simple: be helpful, be present, and make a difference in small ways that matter. 

A Park That Means Something More 

Mike serves as a park ambassador, and he lights up when talking about the families who visit. 

“This is the happiest place I know. The energy is amazing,” he says. “It’s incredible to see the little ones—their spirit is so pure, and their energy is so endless… until they crash.” 

That joy is what keeps him coming back. 

Creating Access, One Swing at a Time 

One of Mike’s most meaningful roles is helping guests use the park’s Liberty Swing, which allows individuals who use wheelchairs to experience the simple thrill of swinging—without leaving their chair. 

“My wife is in a wheelchair,” Mike shares. “So when I see someone at the park in a chair, I invite them onto the swing.” 

It’s a small gesture rooted in empathy, but the impact is profound. 

He recalls a family who traveled all the way from Merced so their loved one could try the swing. 

“It was absolute joy,” he says. 

Inspired by a Lifetime of Learning 

Mike’s dedication to service traces back decades. “In a high school world cultures class, I learned that in some cultures, it’s a man’s responsibility to serve the community after his children have grown,” Mike says. “I’ve always believed that’s a duty worth fulfilling.” 

Today, his volunteer work reflects not only that commitment, but also a genuine curiosity and respect for people from all walks of life. 

Why It Matters 

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, stories like Mike’s remind us that inclusion isn’t just about design—it’s about people. 

People who show up.People who notice others.People who turn empathy into action. 

“This is my joy,” Mike says. “This is my happy place.” 

And for the countless families who experience a moment of freedom, connection, or pure happiness at the park, Mike is a part of what makes it so special. 

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Mia's Dream All Abilities Playground is located at 28377 Huntwood Ave, Hayward, CA 94544

Have you been to Mia's Dream? Tell us about it on Facebook or Instagram!

To volunteer, like Mike, check out our volunteer opportunities and sign up. 

To learn more about Measure F1-funded projects and how these investments are working across our parks and facilities, visit our HARD at Work page.

Pictured below: Mike and another volunteer, Leslie Qi, demonstrate the Liberty Swing. Mike and his wife Ruth meet Fireball the steer at Ag Day in Meek Park. Fun Fact: Mike and Ruth met when she taught Line Dancing at H.A.R.D. 30 years ago!

When the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District’s Tennyson Park pump track officially opened in September 2025 as part of the district-wide improvements made possible by Measure F1, one young rider was more ready than anyone. Maxene “Max” Alvarado, a six-year-old BMX rider, had been waiting nearly a year for that day–and she wasted no time putting the track to use.

We first met Max at the pump track’s grand opening, where her confidence and speed quickly stood out. Competing as an expert in her age bracket, Max’s journey into BMX began early, inspired by her father, Harve. On weekends, Harve would head out to ride road and mountain bikes with friends, and three-year-old Max often asked, “Where is Daddy going?” Wanting to spend more time together, she began riding a Strider balance bike—then quickly progressed to pedals.

On a sunny afternoon at Tennyson Park, we met up with Max making fast laps around the track, stopping only briefly to ask her dad where the older boys were–the ones she likes to race, and beat. At just 44-pounds, she flies into the berms with fearless precision. Berms–banked, curved corners designed to help riders carry speed–are her favorite part of the track, especially the steep turns that reward confidence and control.

Max and her siblings are homeschooled and spend much of their time outdoors. Homeschooling was a family choice that emphasizes movement and exploration, over screens. Harve says the family loves seeing other kids outside too, riding bikes and discovering the joy of active play.

Before the pump track was built, Max and her dad often visited Mia’s Dream Come True All Abilities Playground near their home in South Hayward. One day, they noticed a sign announcing that a pump track was “coming soon.” For Max, already an avid BMX competitor, it was thrilling news. Each visit after that included a stop at the Sulphur Creek overlook, where Max eagerly watched the track take shape, just minutes from home.

Max previously had to travel as far as Menlo Park and South San Francisco to train regularly. With the opening of the larger pump track at Tennyson Park, that long commute is no longer necessary. Harve credits the local track with supporting Max’s continued growth as an athlete, noting that the rhythm section (loops of rolling terrain) in particular has helped her sharpen her skills and consistency.

Beyond her competitive success, Max is known for her friendliness and encouragement toward other riders. She inspires kids in her homeschool community and beyond to ride, train, and try something new. She even bonded with her best friend through their shared love of bikes. Asked what advice she would give to aspiring riders, Max doesn’t hesitate: “You can do it—just believe in yourself.”

For Max and her family, the pump track represents more than a place to ride. They are grateful to the voters who supported Measure F1 and to the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District for creating spaces that encourage kids to be active, healthy, and head outdoors. For Max, it’s a dream realized—one fast lap at a time.

Tennyson Park is located at 28377 Huntwood Ave, Hayward, CA 94544

Have you been to the new Tennyson Park? Tell us about it on Facebook or Instagram!

To learn more about Measure F1-funded projects and how these investments are working across our parks and facilities, visit our HARD at Work page.

For decades, Tennyson Park has been a familiar green space in South Hayward. But like many neighborhood parks, its full potential had yet to be realized. Today, it stands at the center of a community-driven transformation–one rooted in listening, partnership, and long-term investment.

Identified as a priority in the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District’s Parks Master Plan, the Tennyson Park renovation began with a simple but powerful goal: create a park that reflects the needs, ideas, and spirit of the surrounding neighborhood. H.A.R.D. Capital Planning and Development partnered with Recreation staff, RRM Design Group, the South Hayward Youth and Family Center (SHYFC) project team, and–most importantly–the community.

Over the course of six in-person outreach events and multiple online surveys, residents helped shape the park’s future. The engagement process was intentionally inclusive, offering evening and weekend meetings, Spanish-language translation, youth-focused events, and outreach tied to existing community gatherings. Neighbors brainstormed ideas, prioritized amenities, evaluated design concepts, and ultimately guided the final vision.

The resulting Master Plan reimagined Tennyson Park as an active, safe, and welcoming space for all ages–maximizing open space, improving visibility and access, and seamlessly connecting the Matt Jimenez Gymnasium and future Stack Youth and Family Center. Together, these projects are designed to serve as a shared civic heart for the neighborhood.

This transformation was made possible in part by Measure F1 funding, reinforcing H.A.R.D.’s commitment to reinvesting in parks and delivering on community priorities.

As H.A.R.D. General Manager, Jim Wheeler, said at the park opening, “This is what listening to residents and delivering on promises looks like.” Tennyson Park’s evolution shows what’s possible when community voices lead the way–from an underutilized green space to a vibrant neighborhood hub.

Tennyson Park is located at 28377 Huntwood Ave, Hayward, CA 94544

Have you been to the new Tennyson Park? Tell us about it on Facebook or Instagram!

To learn more about Measure F1-funded projects and how these investments are working across our parks and facilities, visit our HARD at Work page.