Lake Kids Hayward — Local services in Hayward

Hi, I am an Adult who is on the Autism Spectrum. I live in hayward and always have for over 10 years. The Owner told me I can't sit at the bench because it's for customers only.

Never have I been told that I can't sit on a bench that is on the public sidewalk of main street.

I keep to myself a person sat next to me and got in my personal bubble. Wanting to ask me a question. (It wasn't a question) I said, "Yes, what is it."

His words were "I noticed you come here all the time and sit here. I don't want you to be here, as the bench is for customers only."

I expressed that this is a public side walk, The bench is on the sidewalk, do you expect me to stand on the sidewalk or sit on the curb for an hour or two. He said "Yes, I made the bench and it's meant for customers only"

I replied "If that's the case then put up a sign that says the bench is for customers only. Besides this is a public space. I am just sitting here playing my game and keeping to myself. If you have an issue please feel free to call the police.

After that he didn't say much, tried to ask for my name. I politely replied "I don't think I will be giving you that information, I think our conversation is done.

He provided a disgruntled "I tried to be nice" walked away to his car, tried to make a phone call on speaker and drove away.

There was room for 3 or 4 more people to sit on the bench.

I go for a 3 mile walk daily in hopes to lose weight, and to get vitamin D advised by my medical team at Northlakes Community Clinic. and I sit there to take a break and play a game called pokemon go and to charge my phone with a portable power bank. There are 5 stops in Pokemon GO that is where that bench was. I was sitting there to obtain virtual items by spinning stops every 5 minutes.

Just because I don't shop at the toy store daily, weekly, monthly, doesn't mean I am not shopping elsewhere, candy, tacos, shirts, kwik trip, marketplace, walmart, and more!!!

NO STORE WOULD EVER SAY THAT A BENCH ON A PUBLIC SIDEWALK IS FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY.

I want to speak up because regardless of who you are and the reason. A Local, Tourist, or Disabled Person, should never be told they cant sit somewhere on a bench that is planted on a public space.

And yes I am going to speak up about it!! Because I know they'll probably twist or spin the whole situation around to make themselves look good reputation wise. This actually happened word for word.

He didn't want to put up a sign because it would of been bad for the business.. So he did the next best thing and yes he removed the bench because of me.

I was the reason why they removed the bench. All because of an Adult with Autism who needed a break from walking 3 miles in the beaming sun.

Unprofessional, rude, and him saying "I tried to be nice" was the icing on the cake. Being nice is letting people sit there regardless if they shopped at your store or not. ITS HAYWARD...

Fun toy store in Hayward’s awesome downtown. We stopped in with our 3 kiddos ages 8, 10, & 13 and they were all able to find something they liked. Unique items and souvenirs. Nice apparel…good variety of hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and even socks! Staff was very helpful and friendly. We will stop again when...

This store is great. They have so many different toys to select from. They stand by their...