Chad Shoemaker is a man of the outdoors. He has to be. As Mexico’s Director of Parks & Recreation – a post he’s held since 2002 – he’s responsible for a lot of …
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Chad Shoemaker is a man of the outdoors. He has to be. As Mexico’s Director of Parks & Recreation – a post he’s held since 2002 – he’s responsible for a lot of outdoor activity in the community. Shoemaker also holds a degree in forestry from the University of Missouri, is an avid gardener and owns a small farm.
Shoemaker grew up in Mexico and returned to the city after a stint in the Navy.
1. Do you spend a lot of time outside?
Oh yeah – although a lot of parks work is sitting in the office. I used to get out more.
2. Parks & Rec sounds like fun.
It’s demanding. I run a multi million dollar business, essentially. I run rorestry and cemeteries, also. For this fiscal year the budget is $4.7 million. That’s because of the pool.
3. How cool is the pool going to be?
It’s going to be awesome. It’s going to wow people.
4. Do you use the parks for fun?
That’s a double-edge sword. It’s hard to go to a park for fun. It’s hard not to start working, taking notes on maintenance issues. I like to use other people’s parks, but even then I say, ‘we ought to do that.’ I do garden at home, that’s fun.
5. What do you like to grow?
That’s hard to say. I grow lots of things. My wife likes flowers, so that’s something we can do together. I love BLTs, so tomatoes.
6. How do you do your BLTs?
Applewood smoked or black pepper bacon, thick cut. Homegrown tomatoes and lettuce. Toasted bread. Miracle Whip, not mayonnaise. It has to be homegrown tomatoes, because store bought doesn’t have any flavor. The lettuce doesn’t matter as much.
7. Ever had trouble giving away zucchini?
I don’t plant a lot of zucchini. You can get overwhelmed with zucchini. Tomatoes are never hard to give away.
8. Is there one big park idea you’d like to see happen?
I would like to raise see us raise money for a water slide for the pool – a big one. I’m sure we’re going to try to make that happen. We’re always looking for grants. We try to find creative ways to get the city the things it needs.
9. What is it about Mexico that brought you back?
The people. Mexico is full of wonderful people. They are always willing to help out.
10. If you could do something else it would be …?
If money were no object I’d be a cattle rancher. I love farming.
