A longtime City of Mexico employee recently announced he is moving on, as Chad Shoemaker closes out a 21-year tenure as the Mexico Parks and Recreation director. During that time, Mexico’s park system has been a valued community keystone that has grown in size and service. Today, its roster includes 13 parks and two cemeteries.

Shoemaker directed three departments, managing an annual budget exceeding $2 million, also serving as the city’s cemetery director and city forester. 

He is quick to point out that achievements are a product of a group effort.

“There’s a team at the city,” he said in an interview last week. “As a team, we got these things done. We’re blessed. We really are. There are a lot of communities who would love to have what Mexico has.”

Acquisition of Green Estate Park development of the Park Foundation, Lakeview Trail and  the passage of a ½ cent permanent park use tax were among some highlights. Most recently, the headliner of the park system has been the fully revamped Fairgrounds Aquatic Center. Anchored by a newly constructed zero-depth entry swimming pool, the facility boasts a dumping bucket, water sprays, splash pad, and more. And that ‘more’ includes recently constructed waterslide.

Shoemaker, 59, is not retiring for good though, as he’s accepted a position with Landmark Aquatic Company, serving on the company’s strategic sales team. Landmark is the parent company of Westport Pools, who was the Aquatic Center contractor.

“I couldn’t turn it down,” Shoemaker said, adding it’s a great opportunity.

A 1996 Mizzou graduate, Shoemaker earned his B.S. in forestry and an associate’s in biology from East Central College. His pre-parks-and-rec career includes stints with Optec Diechi Denko, Mexico; and Nexans, Mexico. He had his own landscaping business in the early ‘90s and continues to operate a small timber production farm in Audrain County. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. 

Wrapping up his city career, he feels confident in the state of parks and recreation.

“The system is in great shape,” he said. 

He is appreciative of his experience with Mexico - where he will continue to live - and all those who have played a role.

“You can’t even start to thank everyone,” Shoemaker said. “There are literally hundreds of people. All those people should be appreciated.

“One person doesn’t make parks happen,” he said. “The whole community does.”

Chad Shoemaker will be honored at a reception at the Mexico Chamber of Commerce from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 14. The chamber office is located on the Mexico square, 100 W. Jackson St.