Plan Your Cherryland Visit: Classes, Library & Event Rentals
Cherryland Community Center is located at 278 Hampton Road, Hayward, CA 94541, next to Meek Estate and Meek Park. Operated by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.), the center provides recreation classes, community gathering spaces, a commercial kitchen, rentable event hall and an Alameda County Library branch.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. General building hours, individual classes, library services and private-event rental hours may differ.
Address, Contact & Opening Hours
| Facility | Cherryland Community Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 278 Hampton Road, Hayward, CA 94541 |
| Operator | Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) |
| Reservations Phone | 510-881-6700 |
| Reservations Email | Reservations@HaywardRec.org |
| Rental Office | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Hall Rentals Mon–Sat | 9 AM–10 PM, by approved reservation |
| Hall Rentals Sunday | 9 AM–8 PM, by approved reservation |
| General Public Hours | Not separately confirmed on the official facility page; call for current walk-in and program access. |
What Facilities Are Inside Cherryland?
Opened in October 2021, this approximately 17,500-square-foot community facility was developed by Alameda County in partnership with H.A.R.D. to provide spaces for cultural events, education, recreation and neighborhood gatherings.
Rentable space for larger private celebrations, approved gatherings, receptions and organized events. Maximum occupancy is listed as 190.
Three flexible rooms designed for recreation activities, learning programs and community classes.
Event catering and food-preparation facilities, subject to rental approval and applicable food-safety rules.
Outdoor space adjoining the community center. Ask whether patio access is included in your event reservation.
Alameda County Library service within the building, offering reading resources, Wi-Fi and library activities.
Parking facilities and convenient access to nearby Meek Park and the historic Meek Estate grounds.
Cherryland focuses on classes, gathering spaces and events rather than a publicly advertised swimming pool or gym-membership facility. For help distinguishing recreation facilities from event halls, read our community recreation center visitor guide.
Cherryland Library Hours & Services
Cherryland Library is an Alameda County Library location inside the Community Center. It has its own hours, contact number and holiday closures.
| Day | Library Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Library Activities
- Book borrowing and library services.
- Wi-Fi access and community reading resources.
- Little Bookworms storytime on selected dates.
- Children’s art workshops, including bilingual programming when scheduled.
- Community events and learning opportunities.
The October 2026 library calendar included Little Bookworms Storytime and children’s art workshops on selected Tuesdays. These are date-specific examples, not guaranteed weekly sessions.
How to Attend a Library Event
- Open the official Cherryland Library page.
- Choose the current events listing.
- Select the desired storytime, workshop or community activity.
- Check age restrictions, date, start time and whether advance registration is required.
- Follow the event’s registration instructions if applicable.
- Arrive at the library entrance inside the Community Center.
Recreation Programs, Youth Activities & Classes
H.A.R.D. offers seasonal recreation programs at Cherryland. Course times, enrollment, age requirements and fees are published through its activity registration system.
Toddler and Me creative play sessions and selected Friday playdates for younger children.
Circle of Friends sessions have offered adapted play experiences for children and caregivers.
Community workshops, creative projects and seasonal enrichment classes.
Age-appropriate interactive programs and opportunities for social connection.
Special-interest activities, neighborhood gatherings and organized events.
Children’s storytimes, reading activities and occasional educational workshops.
Examples from the January 2026 Program Calendar
| Program | Published Activity |
|---|---|
| Toddler and Me | Creative activities for toddlers and caregivers on selected January Saturdays. |
| Friday Fun Playdates | Alternating Friday sessions, 10 AM–noon, for children ages 0–5 with caregivers. |
| Circle of Friends | Adapted play sessions for children ages 0–8 and caregivers, including sensory-considerate activities. |
These January sessions are historical examples showing the types of activities offered; they are not the confirmed schedule for October 2026.
How to Register for a Class
- Find the current season. Open the H.A.R.D. recreation program guide or registration website.
- Search for Cherryland. Filter by facility name, program category or child’s age.
- Review session details. Check exact dates, session length, age range, fees, capacity and attendance rules.
- Check district residency. Some activities use different resident and nonresident registration prices.
- Choose an available session. Sign in or create a household registration account.
- Complete enrollment. Pay any required fees and retain the confirmation.
For people comparing programs designed specifically for older adults, our senior community center activity and services guide explains social programs, age eligibility and common registration questions. Confirm which senior activities H.A.R.D. currently offers at Cherryland.
Cherryland Main Hall Rental Rates
The center’s main hall may be reserved for private gatherings, receptions, meetings and approved special events. H.A.R.D. publishes a maximum occupancy of 190 people and a minimum rental period of three hours.
| Rental Category | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| District Resident | $205/hour (3-hour minimum) |
| Nonresident | $245/hour (3-hour minimum) |
| Government / School District | $300 first 3 hours; $100 per additional hour |
| Qualifying Nonprofit Group | $465 first 3 hours; $155 per additional hour |
| Resident Business / Commercial | $720 first 3 hours; $240 per additional hour |
| Refundable Damage Deposit | $750 |
| Special Event Insurance | $250; $500 when alcohol coverage is required |
The resident and nonresident individual rates come from H.A.R.D.’s current facility listing. The government, nonprofit and commercial classifications come from its District Facility Fees schedule. Classification and event use determine the applicable charge.
Example Rental Cost
| Example | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Resident · 3 hours | $615 rental + $750 deposit + $250 insurance = $1,615 upfront |
| Nonresident · 3 hours | $735 rental + $750 deposit + $250 insurance = $1,735 upfront |
| Resident · 5 hours | $1,025 rental + $750 deposit + $250 insurance = $2,025 upfront |
To compare deposits, minimum hours and extra costs against other types of public venues, use our community center rental budgeting and booking guide. Cherryland’s official fee schedule takes priority.
How to Reserve Cherryland Community Center
- Choose your event. Write down whether you plan a reception, family party, meeting, fundraiser or other approved use.
- Estimate attendance. Count guests, organizers, vendors and staff. The published maximum is 190, but your proposed layout may reduce usable capacity.
- Select a date. Submit requests at least 30 days and no more than 11 months before the event, except for specified funeral and memorial exceptions.
- Check availability. Contact the H.A.R.D. rental office Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
- Submit the request. Use the official Request for Rental Form linked from Cherryland’s facility page.
- Confirm the category. Ask whether your event qualifies for a district-resident, nonprofit, government, business or nonresident rate.
- Arrange the deposit. If your date is available, the main hall deposit is due within three business days.
- Arrange insurance. Special event insurance is mandatory. Confirm the policy and any separate requirements for alcohol, vendors or activities.
- Pay the remaining fees. H.A.R.D. requires rental fees to be paid in full at least 30 days before the event.
- Keep your permit. Confirm approved times, access instructions, equipment, setup, cleanup and any additional conditions.
Kitchen, Alcohol, Insurance & Event Rules
Commercial Kitchen
Cherryland’s commercial kitchen includes the following equipment in H.A.R.D.’s published rental rules:
- Refrigerator and freezer.
- Ice maker.
- Stove and oven.
- Microwave.
- Counter work areas.
- Six-compartment sink.
Ask whether kitchen use is included in your reservation, whether cooking is permitted, and whether a caterer requires health permits or other authorization. Do not assume every appliance is automatically available.
Alcohol
Alcohol may be permitted with prior written approval and restrictions. H.A.R.D. lists special event insurance at $500 when alcohol coverage is required, compared with $250 for the standard policy purchased through the district.
Music, Decorations & Cleanup
- Ask about sound amplification, entertainment and permitted event end times.
- Confirm approved decorations and whether fixtures or wall attachments are restricted.
- Include setup and cleanup within the approved rental period.
- Confirm furniture, seating arrangements, patio access and catering arrangements.
- Ask about cancellation deadlines, damage deductions and deposit refunds.
- Never exceed the approved attendance or event hours.
For insurance, cancellation and event rules, rely on the latest H.A.R.D. community center rental policies and the terms attached to your approved permit.
Location, Parking & Nearby Landmarks
Cherryland Community Center is on Hampton Road near Boston Road, next to Meek Estate and Meek Park, in the Cherryland neighborhood of unincorporated Alameda County. Although its mailing address says Hayward, the neighborhood is not part of the incorporated City of Hayward.
| Street Address | 278 Hampton Road, Hayward, CA 94541 |
|---|---|
| Community | Cherryland, unincorporated Alameda County |
| Nearby Landmark | Meek Estate and Meek Park |
| Parking | On-site parking is listed as a facility feature. |
| Public Transportation | Check current AC Transit routes and nearby stops before departure. |
| Accessible Services | Ask H.A.R.D. about the accessible entrance, restrooms, seating and event accommodations. |
Alameda County identifies Cherryland Community Center as an indoor facility with public bathrooms and hydration stations, which can be useful during hot weather. Confirm public access and operating hours before using it as a cooling destination.
Other Community Centers Near Cherryland
H.A.R.D. operates other nearby public facilities. If Cherryland’s main hall is booked, a smaller or differently priced venue may suit your event.
| Facility | Location / Hall Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ashland Community Center | 1530 167th Avenue, San Leandro · 100 |
| Castro Valley Community Center | 18988 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley · 120 |
| San Lorenzo Community Center | 1970 Via Buena Vista, San Lorenzo · 160 |
| Southgate Community Center | 26780 Chiplay Avenue, Hayward · 70 |
| Weekes Community Center | 27182 Patrick Avenue, Hayward · 140 |
Capacities are from the H.A.R.D. community-center directory and are not guarantees of available seating for your event layout. Contact the district to compare current fees and openings.
For a separate California municipal example of reserving meeting or event space, our Montclair Community Center visitor guide explains room planning and activity schedules. Montclair uses a different rental operator and its rates do not apply to Cherryland.
Before-You-Go Checklist
- Confirm you need Cherryland Community Center at 278 Hampton Road.
- Check whether you are visiting the community facility or the library.
- Use library-specific hours for borrowing or library events.
- Check the H.A.R.D. program schedule for classes and activities.
- Confirm registration, fees and any age requirements before arriving.
- For hall rentals, reserve at least 30 days ahead.
- Ask whether your address qualifies for district-resident rental pricing.
- Prepare the $750 damage deposit and insurance requirements for rental inquiries.
- Ask for written alcohol approval where applicable.
- Include setup and cleanup time in the event schedule.
- Confirm parking and access arrangements for larger gatherings.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Cherryland Community Center located?
Cherryland Community Center is located at 278 Hampton Road, Hayward, CA 94541, in unincorporated Cherryland, Alameda County, next to Meek Estate and Meek Park.
2. What are Cherryland Community Center’s hours?
H.A.R.D. lists private hall rental windows of 9 AM–10 PM Monday through Saturday and 9 AM–8 PM Sunday. General public building hours are not separately confirmed on the official facility page. The rental office is available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
3. What is the phone number for Cherryland Community Center?
Call the H.A.R.D. reservations office at 510-881-6700 or email Reservations@HaywardRec.org for facility rental inquiries.
4. What activities and classes does Cherryland offer?
H.A.R.D. offers seasonal recreation and enrichment programs. Past sessions have included Toddler and Me, Friday Fun Playdates and inclusive Circle of Friends activities. Exact current offerings must be checked through the district’s registration system.
5. Is there a library inside Cherryland Community Center?
Yes. Alameda County Library operates Cherryland Library inside the center. Library hours are Monday–Friday 9 AM–8 PM, Saturday 9 AM–2 PM, and Sunday closed, subject to holiday changes.
6. Can I rent Cherryland Community Center for a private party?
Yes. Its main hall can be rented for approved private events and gatherings. H.A.R.D. lists a maximum occupancy of 190, with availability and reservation conditions controlled by the district.
7. How much does Cherryland Community Center cost to rent?
Current published main hall rates are $205 per hour for district residents and $245 per hour for nonresidents, with a three-hour minimum. A $750 refundable security deposit and required special event insurance apply.
8. How far in advance must I reserve the main hall?
Rental requests must generally be submitted at least 30 days and no more than 11 months in advance. Funerals and memorials have specified exceptions. The deposit is due within three business days after availability is confirmed, and rental fees must be paid in full 30 days before the event.
9. Can alcohol be served at Cherryland Community Center?
Alcohol may be allowed with prior written approval and restrictions. H.A.R.D. lists special event insurance of $500 when alcohol coverage is required. Ask about any other permits or conditions before booking.
10. Does Cherryland Community Center have parking and a kitchen?
Yes. H.A.R.D. lists parking, an outdoor patio and a commercial kitchen. The kitchen equipment includes a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, microwave, ice maker and six-compartment sink. Confirm kitchen-use permission and parking arrangements when reserving an event.
Official Sources & Final Actions
- H.A.R.D. — Cherryland Community Center, rental rates and booking form
- H.A.R.D. — Community centers and rental policies
- District facility fee schedule
- Alameda County Library — Cherryland location, hours and events
- Alameda County — Cherryland Community Center opening and project details
- Alameda County — Heat and health resources
Independent visitor guide. Community-center.org is not affiliated with H.A.R.D. or Alameda County Library. Review current program schedules, rental rates, availability and facility policies directly with the official operator before registering or paying.