Hailey Howard graduated from Appalachian State University in December 2019, where she discovered the true value of play. Initially, she enrolled in a Recreation Management class to fulfill a General Education requirement, but after the first class—a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway—she was hooked. That experience led her to add Recreation Management as a second major alongside Exercise Science.

During her time at Appalachian State, Hailey had the opportunity to learn snowboarding and fly fishing for her PE credits—two hobbies she continues to make time for every year. These activities shaped her identity, introduced her to lifelong friendships, and reinforced her belief in the power of play. The experiences of learning outdoors, connecting with others, and understanding the physiological and mental benefits of recreation solidified her passion: to provide all people with opportunities for play.

Hailey graduated into the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited job opportunities, so after spending five years in Boone, she took a leap and moved from the mountains to the beaches of Charleston, SC. After a year of networking and searching, she found an opportunity with the Town of Mount Pleasant Recreation Department. She began as a Recreation Specialist in the Programs Division, which oversees non-athletic programs such as music, art, dance, STEM, and outdoor activities. Working alongside a dedicated team, she helped expand and enhance these programs.

After two years, when her supervisor retired, Hailey pursued the position and was selected as the youngest Programs Coordinator in the history of both the Recreation Department and the Town of Mount Pleasant. In this role—one she often describes as feeling like a real-life Leslie Knope—she oversees the entire Programs Division, managing 120 instructors, three full-time staff members, three community centers, 12 part-time staff members, construction projects, and, her personal favorite, 12 playgrounds. In just one year, she has completed nearly $1 million in playground projects. Her primary goal is to ensure that all recreational facilities are accessible and inclusive, creating opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of play.

Hailey is also a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), serving as the town’s playground inspector. Each month, she evaluates playgrounds to ensure they meet safety standards—an aspect of her job that she enjoys, as it allows her to engage directly with the spaces she helps maintain and improve.

One of her most significant accomplishments was collaborating with a playground designer to create an inclusive playground in the northern part of town. The goal was to design a space where everyone could play by minimizing common accessibility barriers. Every element of the playground was carefully selected to support different sensory experiences, accommodate mobility devices, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all visitors. This project required extensive planning and dedication, but it remains one of her proudest achievements, knowing it will positively impact the community for years to come.

Hailey’s passion for play has been shaped by countless experiences, but two key moments from her time at Lincoln Charter School stand out. Playing softball under Coach Putnam taught her the value of teamwork and the importance of organized play. Additionally, her involvement with Special Olympics, encouraged by Mrs. Fortkort, helped shape her philosophy that play should be inclusive for everyone.