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Mia’s Dream Come True All-Abilities Playground

RRM Design Group provided landscape architectural services to develop the design from concept to construction of a new inclusive playground, approximately one-acre in size. Mia Vasquez, the playground’s namesake, is a local girl with a severe form of cerebral palsy, and the overall concept was conceived by her father, Daniel, to meet an unmet need within the District’s park system. Daniel came to the Hayward Area Recreation District in 2016 with a playground sketch on the back of a napkin. The sketch on this page is RRM’s conceptual interpretation of Daniel’s vision to create a park his daughter and individuals like her could enjoy.

The final all-abilities playground features a variety of accessible play and sensory experiences incorporated into a layout that replicates a map of the Hayward area. The five inclusionary themes encompassed throughout the park cover cognitive, physical, social, sensory, and communication aspects of play. Geographic landmarks that are featured include the Bay and San Mateo Bridge, 880 Freeway, Skywest Airport, Fire Station No. 7, Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Eden Landing, Russell City, the water tower, and even the “Hayward-Loop.” Construction was completed in March of 2020.

In the Hayward area? Visit Mia’s Dream at 28377 Huntwood Ave, Hayward, CA 94544

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“This is the most well thought out and amazing park I have been to. It is so rich and highly engaging, filled with imagination and opportunity.”
– Rachel Rodi, Rachel Rodi Mosaics (project partner)


Award-Winning

Engineering Excellence Award: Special Projects
– ACEC Bay Bridge Chapter