When Rachael Goodwin first came to Fountain Hills just three years ago she was stepping into the shoes of Bryan Hughes, the long-time and well established recreation supervisor for the town. This summer she is moving up from that position to replace Mark Mayer, who had served as the town’s Parks and Recreation and Community Services director for more than 15 years.

In the three years she has been here the energetic Goodwin has led a recreation crew that has been recognized statewide and nationally for its innovative and creative programing. She also took on the role of tourism supervisor and, teaming with Tourism Coordinator Grace Rodman-Guetter, has earned state and national recognition for new programs.

As Community Services director Goodwin will be stepping away from the major role in tourism. A new supervisor will be hired.

Growing up in Las Vegas, Nev. Goodwin certainly had significant exposure to tourism and special events, but when she went away to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff recreation and tourism were not her goal.

“I didn’t even realize at the time that recreation could be a career,” Goodwin said.

She began her studies in journalism and for a time wrote sports for the NAU Lumberjack student newspaper.

“The writing experience translates well into any career,” Goodwin said. “There are always reports and grant requests to put together.”

After graduation Goodwin took a job in Leesburg, Va. working in a recreation center at the front desk and coorinated various programs and special events.

Goodwin has also recently received her public management certification. This is a 10-month, 240-hour program through Arizona State University.

She said there was a broad range of experience in the program including officials, administrative and public safety personnel. She was the only parks and recreation profession in this class.

Goodwin said there is a lot to look forward to in Fountain Hills Community Services, including new ideas and planning for special events, continuing to carry on the tourism mantle and making the most of existing parks and potential for the State Trust Land in the future.

Goodwin said she is really happy and grateful to have the experienced staff and management at the Community Center and Senior Services.

“Our department is really very accessible and visible in the community,” Goodwin said.

This is notable by such things as a white board outside the control building at Fountain Park where people can make comments and observations for the parks lead to follow up on.

Staff is very involved with interacting with residents in the course of their jobs.

“We all really enjoy what we do,” Goodwin said. “We really have fun and absolutely want people in the community to have fun with us.”