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Pico Rivera, California mom Juliean believes that “it takes a village to create awesome little humans” — and that’s exactly why she loves her hometown park and recreation programs. Juliean, born and raised in Pico Rivera, started building her village years ago. She spent her childhood signing up for every possible program through her local park and recreation agency.

“The staff knew me, coaches knew me, I knew them, they knew my parents,” she shares. “Anything parks and recreation offered, I was there.”

Juliean’s family appreciated that the programs were affordable for families in the community. As a result, no one felt left out of the experience — and kids across the neighborhood could play together, make friends and build lifelong relationships.

“I look back on those days with such fondness. It’s one of the reasons we decided to raise our family in Pico Rivera,” Juliean says. 

Today, her children, 7-year-old Andee and 11-year-old Jamie, are continuing the family tradition of playing youth sports through the City of Pico Rivera Parks & Recreation Department.

Andee is an energetic girl who participates in, as Juliean puts it, “everything.” Andee enjoys dance, has tumbled her way through several cheerleading seasons with friends and has played softball. Meanwhile, Jamie picked up a baseball bat at just 3 years old and has since started playing football, too.

Since park and recreation agencies offer so many options, the siblings have tried lots of different sports. They often play with the same supportive coaches and staff members who were around in their mom’s day!

“It’s not just about the sports,” Juliean says. “It’s about the lessons you’re learning that you will take with you that can shape the rest of your life. Our kids are learning respect and hard work.”  

Most days, you can find the kids on the field or in a gymnasium. Both Andee and Jamie love being active and playing with their friends — new and old.

“They are building great relationships and having fun,” Juliean says. “But we are also building relationships with other parents. They look out for my kids. I look out for theirs, too. It’s become a supportive community.” 

For Juliean and her family, sports include celebrating as Andee sticks the landing or cheering for Jamie as he runs to a base — spending time together with friends and as a family. That’s why Juliean has simple advice when it comes to youth sports: always start with your park and recreation programs.