Retiring Parks Director honored by city
By Joe Bachman
Editor
STEVENS POINT — Retiring Parks Director Tom Schrader made his tearful parting remarks to council members on Monday, April 15.
Schrader retires on May 1, making this his last city council meeting. Zenoff Park, Willett Arena, the Sculpture Park, the skateboard park, as well as the Green Circle Trial, are just some of the notable parks projects Schrader has assisted with, or spearheaded, in his tenure with the city.
“My biggest accomplishment was the fact that the community had enough faith in me to keep me employed for 36 years,” joked Schrader to council members. “Our biggest accomplishment, out of all the things I was able to do is probably the green circle [trail], because it touches the most people. It doesn’t require anything special for anybody to do and anybody can use it.”
Schrader was recognized by Mayor Mike Wiza, as well as Portage County Business Council Executive Director Todd Kuckkahn.
“There is no way anyone can thank you enough for your service.” said Wiza to Schrader.
“It’s always been said if you surround yourself with good people, good things will happen — I’ve had the best staff ever.” said Schrader.
“I guess I’m the luckiest man in the world that I left the parks better than when I came here.”
