Heritage Plaza

A rendering of the future Heritage Plaza

The Heritage Plaza is located across the street from the new Main Library and will provide the Hayward community with a location gather for city events and activities. 

Background:

On May 26, 2015, the Council approved the plans for the Measure C-funded 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center and Heritage Plaza project. The Heritage Plaza project began in October 2018 and included deconstruction of the old main library and construction of the Heritage Plaza. The Heritage Plaza encompasses a full city block in downtown Hayward, which is approximately the size of San Francisco’s Union Square. The Plaza dates back to the formative days of Hayward in the 1840’s, when it was part of the homestead of rancher Don Guillermo Castro. When Don Castro subdivided and sold his land in the 1850’s (which created the street layout of downtown Hayward still in use today), he dedicated Heritage Plaza for use as a public plaza into perpetuity.

The Hayward Heritage Plaza will include the following features:

  • Gathering & Event Spaces – The Plaza will include a 25,000-square foot central event lawn and an 11,000-square foot paved plaza along C Street. These two spaces will have a combined event capacity of nearly 4,000 people. An elevated platform and arbor at the edge of the event lawn will include electrical access for cultural events, musical performances and other civic gatherings
  • Arboretum - The Plaza is home to over forty species of rare and mature trees. The trees, some of which are over one-hundred years old, will be preserved in the plaza restoration. Placards identifying the notable trees will be installed along meandering “arboretum walk” paths on either side of the central event lawn
  • Heritage Elements – The Plaza will be home to interpretative signs and art pieces that commemorate the diverse experiences and cultures of Hayward’s rich history
  • Children’s Garden – The Plaza will include a 2,150-square foot garden on the corner of C Street and Watkins Street, featuring nature-inspired exploration structures for young children
  • Rainwater Catchment System – The Plaza will function as a rainwater catchment and underground rainwater storage and filtration system. The system will collect and reuse up to 200,000 gallons of rainwater annually, which will be treated and reused for irrigation and graywater uses in the new library building and plaza

Documents:

Jan. 25, 2022 - City Council

Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate $20,000 in Grant Funding from the National Endowment for the Arts for Heritage Plaza Art Pieces RECOMMENDATION

Mar. 23, 2021 - City Council 

Adopt Resolutions Authorizing the City Manager to Increase the Consultant and Construction Contracts for the 21st Century Library - Heritage Plaza Project and Appropriate Funds

July 9, 2019 - City Council

21st Century Library and Community Learning Center and Heritage Plaza: Public Contract Code § 4107 Hearing Regarding Removal and Substitution of the Electrical Subcontractor, Collins Electrical Company, Inc (Report from Public Works Director Ameri and City Attorney Lawson) (Continued from July 16, 2019 & July 23, 2019)

July 2, 2019 - City Council

Adopt a Resolution to Appropriate $30,000 Towards Public Heritage Art and Interpretive Signage and Receive an Update on Hayward Heritage Plaza Construction

July 2, 2019 - City Council

Adopt a Resolution to Appropriate $30,000 Towards Public Heritage Art and Interpretive Signage and Receive an Update on Hayward Heritage Plaza Construction

May 14, 2019 - City Council

Authorize Amendment to Resolution 18-091 to Appropriate an Additional $398,512 in Grant Funds to the 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center and Heritage Plaza Arboretum Project and Authorize the City Manager to Increase the T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc. Contract Amount to $52,948,512

July 10, 2018 - City Council

Heritage Plaza, 21st Century Library - Overview and Refresher of the Heritage Plaza Restoration and Construction Project Plans and Specifications

Sept. 15, 2015 - City Council

21st Century Library and Community Learning Center and Heritage Plaza Arboretum - Approval of Addenda and Award of Construction Contract