Portuguese Centennial Park

Anchoring the southern-most triangular block of our district, the Portuguese Centennial Park is one of the most unique and ornate public spaces within our downtown district. Comprised of tiles, stones, and light standards donated by the City of Faro (Portugal), the public park was a joint effort by the City of Hayward and its sister city (the City of Faro) and constructed by two Portuguese artists, Americo Marcelino and Jose Martins.

The beauty and grandeur of the Portuguese Centennial Park is due in a large part to the contributions of Hayward's Sister City in Portugal, Faro (in the Algarve region). The following items came from Faro: The small cobblestones of various colors, the monument, the blue and white tiles, the tile map of Portugal, the benches and the light standards. The City of Faro also sent two skilled craftsmen to Hayward to help with the building of the park. They stayed in Hayward for several months before returning to Faro, exemplifying the excellence of their work in the magnificence of the park.

A contingent from Faro, Portugal, including the Mayor of Faro, came to Hayward for the park dedication in October of 1979. The park was re-dedicated on February 22nd, 2023, after a recent restoration effort, commemorating 44 years since the park's construction.