sterlingmade Spring 2026

Parks & Recreation

TRAILBLAZING

Where Trails Begin

Hailey Morin’s journey from camper to coordinator shows how Parks & Recreation inspires future leaders. L ike many who grew up in Sterling Heights, Hailey Morin spent her childhood participating in Parks and Recreation programs. This past summer she returned to Summer Playground — but this time she wasn’t playing on the court or cheering on campers as a counselor. She was helping run the show. As this summer’s coordinator, Hailey led the program she remembers being part of as a young camper, bringing back games she loved and introducing new ones. “I got to see kids play all the games in camp I did when I was their age,” Hailey said. “It really is a full-circle moment.” Growing up, Hailey participated in programs like basketball, tee-ball, Sterling Stars and Summer Playground, and attended events like Sterlingfest and Sterling Christmas with her family. At 14, she got involved with Parks and Recreation as a teen volunteer. Nearly nine years later, she has worked her way through almost every seasonal or part-time role the department offers — from aide to junior leader to senior leader at camp. She’s also currently a facility and athletic site coordinator. “I grew in my positions, and this became a family for me,” she said. Today, you might recognize Hailey waving to you from the Community Center front desk, setting up fitness rooms or working at the signature events she attended as a kid.

sterlingmade

6 • SPRING 2026

sterlingheights.gov