[PHOTOSTORY 1: OUTDOORS] Afternoon in the Neighborhood

 By Dakota Guy

Jayce Byrd walks toward the school bus with his backpack slung on both shoulders. It’s his last day of second grade, and he says he’s most excited about “not waking up early in the morning.”

Jayce Byrd stands near the curb, scanning the sidewalk as he waits for the bus to arrive. He hopes to see his best friends one last time before summer break officially begins.

Jayce Byrd pedals his bike down the road on his way to the park. He heard his friend might be there and didn’t want to miss a chance to hang out before vacation starts.

Jayce Byrd’s bike is at the edge of the park. He dropped it there in a hurry so he could run straight to the playground.

Tiago and Lucas sit on the grassy field, catching their breath after a game of soccer. The two friends meet here most afternoons to play until the sun goes down.

Jayce and his friend Sammie smile as they peek down from the top of a playground slide. They usually hang out in the shaded parts of the park when the sun gets too hot.

Jayce’s younger brother, Seven, and his friend Mary play together near the swings. They often spend afternoons here, making up games and sharing laughs.

Rochelle Bryan pushes her kids on the swings, laughing as they soar through the air. She came to the park for her daughter’s friend’s birthday party and said, “I'm always happy they get to go out and use up their energy before bed.”

Jared Moreno casts his fishing line into the calm water at the neighborhood park. He just graduated from high school and says he’s been coming to this lake to fish since he moved here 3 years ago.

From over his shoulder, Jared Moreno is seen watching the water as his fishing line ripples the surface.
For him, this quiet spot has always been a place to think and unwind.

Jared Moreno grins as he holds up the first fish he caught of the day, still hooked on the line.“It’s not the biggest,” he laughs, “but it’s a good start.”

Jared Moreno concentrates as he carefully unhooks the fish from his line. He’s learned patience from fishing, knowing every catch takes a steady hand and a calm mind.

A close-up shows the shimmering fish with the hook still in its mouth. This small bass is a common catch in the neighborhood lake.

Jared Moreno holds the fish by its mouth, laying it out to get a better look at his catch. He admires its size and says, “Not bad for the first one.”

Jared Moreno carefully picks a bait for his hook, focused on getting it just right. “It gets easier the more you do it,” he says, “like anything you want to get better at.”

Five-year-old Seven dashes across the grassy field, laughing as he tries to dodge being tagged. He loves the thrill of the game and says, “I'm the boss at Tag."

Khaliah Stamers joins her son Seven in the game, running alongside him with a big smile. She says, “Playing tag with him is the best way to spend the afternoon together."

Five-year-old Seven runs eagerly across the field, trying to catch up with the other kids. He’s determined not to be left behind and loves the challenge of keeping up during tag

Jayce, Seven, and their mom, Khaliah Stamers, walk hand-in-hand as they leave the park.
After an afternoon of play and laughter, they’re heading home for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Carlos Ruiz walks his dog, Lola, through the park on a sunny afternoon. “She’s getting ready for a dog show this weekend,” he says.