Our Park and Recreation Story: How One Family Finds Peace in Parks — July Bonus Episode

The July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now,
which not only means it’s time for a bonus episode, it also means
that we’re only a few days away from July, and Park and
Recreation Month is extremely close. As you may know, each year
for Park and Recreation Month, we host a cover contest for the
July issue of the magazine. Each year we receive so many
incredible photos and stories illustrating how parks and
recreation is impacting communities across the country, and this
year was no different. While you’ll be seeing many of the
submissions throughout Park and Recreation Month on NRPA’s social
media, there was one photo and story that really stood out to our
esteemed selection committee – and that’s the photo on the
graphic for today’s episode, as well as on the cover of the July
issue.


A great photo isn’t just a photo, though — it tells a story. I’m
so thrilled to be joined by three individuals on the show today —
who you can also read about in the July cover story — who all
play a role in the story behind this year’s winning photo.
Joining me are Jenna Brinkman, the public affairs manager for
Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) in Elk Grove,
California; Craig Pattenaude, the marketing and communications
specialist for Cosumnes CSD (who is the photographer who took the
incredible photo); and David Phommavong, a member of the Elk
Grove community and the father of the child in the photo, Khuan.


On today’s episode, they share the heartwarming story behind this
photo and how Jenna and Craig’s team are helping David and his
family find peace in what can be a painful world for Khuan, who
was diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder
when he was 2 years old, as well as
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sensory
processing disorder.


Tune in to the full episode below to learn about how Cosumnes CSD
is helping Khuan, and others, experience the world without
barriers, as well as:


How photography has helped Cosumnes CSD better tell the
stories of their diverse community, as well as the various
offerings their district provides.

How connecting with David and Khuan made the staff at
Cosumnes CSD feel about the important work they do.

How Cosumnes CSD’s parks are helping the Phommavong family
“find bearing in life.”

Why parks and nature are some of the only places Khuan can
find peace and not experience the physical pain that comes with
sensory processing disorder.

What Jenna, Craig and David’s favorite park memories are, and
more!