CVUSD and H.A.R.D. Celebrate Grand Opening of New Canyon Middle School Sports Fields

CASTRO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

HAYWARD AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT

4400 Alma Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546  |  1099 E Street, Hayward, CA 94541

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

Castro Valley Unified School District and Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Celebrate Grand Opening of New Canyon Middle School Sports Fields

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Community Partnership and Expanded Recreational Opportunities

CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. — Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) and the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) will celebrate the grand opening of the new Canyon Middle School Sports Complex with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 28, at 4:00 p.m. at Canyon Middle School. The event marks the completion of an ambitious partnership that began nearly eight years ago to create a premier athletic facility serving both students and the Castro Valley community.

The $14.9 million project represents a true collaboration between the two agencies, with CVUSD and H.A.R.D. each contributing $7.45 million. The School District's share was funded through voter-approved Measure G bond funds and state modernization reimbursements, while H.A.R.D. provided matching funding through voter-approved Measure F1 bond funds to bring the shared vision to life.

Planning for the project began in October 2017 with a shared commitment to maximize public resources by developing a facility that would benefit students during the school day and the broader community in the evenings, on weekends, and during school breaks. Construction began in April 2025 and was completed in July 2026, culminating years of planning, design, and collaboration between the two agencies.

The new 7.6-acre sports complex features more than 331,000 square feet of multipurpose synthetic turf with natural olive pit and sand infill, providing flexible athletic space for both school and community use. The fields can accommodate four full-size soccer fields or eight smaller soccer fields, while also incorporating two baseball/softball fields with multiple base paths and pitching distance configurations to support athletes of various ages and skill levels.

The facility also includes numerous amenities designed to enhance the experience for athletes and spectators alike, including:

• Bleachers and scoreboards

• Batting cages and dugouts

• Walking paths throughout the complex

• Three ADA-accessible entry points along the south side of the fields

• A community entry plaza

• Drinking fountains with bottle-filling stations

• Bioretention landscaping designed to treat stormwater naturally

"This project represents what is possible when public agencies come together with a shared vision for serving our community," said Dr. Nia Rashidchi, Superintendent of Castro Valley Unified School District. "For nearly eight years, our teams have worked alongside H.A.R.D. to create a space that reflects our commitment to students, families, and the entire Castro Valley community. These fields will support learning, athletics, wellness, and community connection for generations to come."

Jim Wheeler, General Manager of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District added, "This partnership demonstrates how collaboration can maximize public resources while creating lasting benefits for the community. These new fields will provide opportunities for recreation, youth sports, and healthy lifestyles while strengthening the connection between our schools and our parks."

During the school day, the complex will support Canyon Middle School physical education classes, athletics, and student activities. Outside of school hours, the facility will expand recreational opportunities for Castro Valley residents through community programming and organized sports.

The School District and H.A.R.D. also recognize the many individuals who helped make this project possible, including the CVUSD Board of Education, H.A.R.D. Board of Directors, school district, and H.A.R.D. staff, architects, engineers, contractors, and community members whose vision, support, and dedication brought the project from concept to completion.

Community members, students, families, staff, elected officials, and project partners are invited to attend the celebration, which will include remarks from district and park district leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and an opportunity to tour the new facility.

Event Details

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Tuesday, July 28

4:00 p.m.

Canyon Middle School

19600 Cull Canyon Road

Castro Valley, CA 94552

About Castro Valley Unified School District

Castro Valley Unified School District serves approximately 9,700 students and is committed to ensuring all students receive equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities in safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments. For more information, visit www.cv.k12.ca.us.

About Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, known locally as “H.A.R.D.," is an independent special-use district created to provide park and recreation services for over 309,000 residents. Our boundaries encompass a 100-square-mile area, which includes the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview. For more information, visit www.HaywardRec.org.

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