By Joe Bachman
Multimedia Editor

STEVENS POINT — After a months-long search, the city welcomed their new Parks Director on Wednesday, June 26.

Dan Kremer will fill the large shoes of former Parks and Recreation Director Tom Schrader, who retired in May of this year. Kremer will come from a position as Parks Director of the City of Portage.

When asked why he chose to go after the role of Parks Director for Stevens Point, Kremer states that he recognizes the system as one of the best in the state.

“The parks system here is one of the best in the state of Wisconsin, if not the very best,” said Kremer. “I grew up in the township of Milladore, so I’ve spent a lot of time here in my childhood.”

New Parks Director Dan Kremer (left) receives his city badge from Mayor Mike Wiza. (Joe Bachman Photo)

Kremer heads into the role with vast experience, as he is a former Recreation Program Supervisor for the Village of Ashwaubenon, and has worked in the Waukesha Parks, Rec. and Forestry Department, as well as the Onalaska Park Maintenance Department.

While Kremer will undoubtedly forge his own path as Parks Director, his immediate plan is to learn as much as he can.

“I have big shoes to fill with Tom’s retirement and his contributions to the community,” said Kremer. “From what I’ve seen, the staff is tremendous, and I want to learn as much as I can from them.”

Kremer has a long list of credentials and holds a Bachelor of Science from UW-La Crosse. He is certified in Red Cross First Aid, playground safety inspection, and is a member of the Kiwanis.

However according to Kremer, his biggest strength is communication.

“I’m going to communicate very well. I’d like to be a facilitator and I think clear communication is very important,” said Kremer. “I hope to have the ability to bring in and connect all the different user groups.

I want to be a hard worker and do what they need me to do and meet the challenges, and put my own stamp on things as we get going into it — hopefully for a long time.”

The Parks and Recreation Department is located at 2442 Sims Ave.