Howell also has a master’s degree in business administration.

Prior to accepting the director position, Howell had a nearly 15-year career in banking.

According to a press release from the city of Rawlins, Howell has worked for local businesses, which include RNB State Bank, Summit Title and in human resources for the Carbon County clerk.

Before her new position, Howell worked as a supervisor in the parks department, beginning in 2021.

Once she got the call for the parks and recreation position, she “jumped in headfirst and took off running.”

In the press release, Howell stated, “I am absolutely humbled by the immense amount of support I have received from the staff and the community of Rawlins. As a department, I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward. I inherited the right people in the right places, and that makes becoming the director so exciting!”

The day-to-day work tasks Howell undertakes include meetings and getting up to date on any of the grants that are currently open, among other things.

“We do need to do a few updates. Since there was a gap in between there, there are some that need immediate attention,” she explained. “That’s what my biggest focus has been on, so far.”

Howell said that one of the draws to the position for her was to keep everything flowing.

“We have had such a great group over the last two and a half years. Jason (Sehon) started some great things,” she said. “Randy and I work together great and have started the programs. We got more kids’ programs involved; we’ve been more involved in the community, too.”

She added that parks superintendent, Nate Williams, introduced some great plans that they have been working on.

“We also have great stuff going on with the golf side, too. We all had just kept going,” Howell said. “Even though we didn’t have a director, we just kept going. So, it just made sense to keep the flow going.”

Howell outlined some of the activities that are offered at the recreation center, which include:

• Raquetball
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Dodgeball

“Also, we’ve been working on getting some fitness classes in the evenings,” she added. “In the mornings, we do have a senior class that comes in for a spin class, a line dancing class and a fitness class. They’re all very relaxed classes; it’s like a group of best friends.

“It’s all a closeknit group, even throughout the parks, golf course and everything else.”

The recreation center also provides a number of adult and kids leagues.

“We moved our soccer program, which is our biggest program, to July. It’s usually held in May, but usually, there are a lot of things going on during that month,” Howell said. “One of the hardest things about the recreation center is that all of our coaches are volunteers.

“So, having those volunteers literally runs our program. We could not function without our volunteers, and I’m so grateful for all of them.”

For those who are interested in finding out more information or signing up for any of the leagues offered, Howell said, “Most of the time, if they come into the recreation center, it’s easier to get the most information. Obviously, through talking to one of us, we can give you all of the background information, the dates, who is coaching and things like that.

“It’s more than you’d get from a flyer. We do try to send flyers to the schools, and we put it on Facebook. We try to put it on the website.”

Howell explained that they are getting new registration software.

“It will be much easier. It also will have an app that you can sign up on with your phone,” she said. “It will send you reminders, just like a regular app. It’s so much simpler; it’s called DaySmart.”

The app is set to launch by May 1, 2024.

In the press release, city manager Thomas Sarvey stated, “Nikki is a huge asset to the city of Rawlins. With her background in business, recreation experience and knowledge of Rawlins, she is in the ideal position to lead parks and recreation. Nikki’s vision of the future of recreation is refreshing and her enthusiasm will be felt throughout the community.”