Don Castro Regional Recreation Area

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area is a 101-acre regional park located between Hayward and Castro Valley featuring a swimming lagoon and natural surroundings. The space combines open water with green areas and offers multiple ways for visitors to spend time outdoors.

The lake and lagoon were created in 1964 when the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District built a dam on San Lorenzo Creek. This engineering project transformed the land into both a recreational space and a protected area.

The park bears the name of Don Guillermo Castro, a California ranchero from the Spanish colonial era whose legacy shaped early settlement patterns in this area. Visitors experience a space where local heritage connects directly to contemporary recreation.

The park is accessible via Interstate 580 and offers good transportation connections for visitors arriving by car or public transit. Nearby stations and transit options connect the location to surrounding communities.

The park operates a dual-water system with a swimming lagoon for recreation and a separate reservoir dedicated to wildlife conservation. This arrangement allows visitors to enjoy leisure activities while protecting natural habitats.

Location: Alameda County

GPS coordinates: 37.69200,-122.05000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10