Staff photo by Clay Schuldt A special farewell party was held at the Rec Center for Recreation Program Supervisor Joey Schugel, as he departs for his new position with St. Peter’s Recreation Department.

NEW ULM — Tuesday was a bittersweet day at the Recreation Center because it was the last day of work for Recreation Program Supervisor Joey Schugel.

A special farewell party was held at the Rec Center for Schugel as he departs for his new position with St. Peter’s Recreation Department.

Schugel came onboard the New Ulm Park and Recreation Department in March 2014. He served well in the position. His time as rec program supervisor saw the rise of pickleball in New Ulm, the expansion of the Days of Play events and most recently the Rec On The Go program, which started this year.

Earlier this year, Schugel was offered the recreation director’s position in St. Peters, which he accepted. He officially takes over the director’s position on Monday, Aug. 27.

Schugel said there were many similarities between New Ulm and St. Peter. Both communities have great recreation programs, and things that work in one community can transfer to the other.

Asked what he will remember best about his four-and-a-half years working in New Ulm, Schugel said there was no one thing.

“I’ll remember the relationships and partners,” he said. “That’s the hardest part about leaving. We have a community that likes to work together. That’s why the Days of Play and Rec on the Go work so well.”

Even though Schugel will be working in another community, he gave assurances he and his family would continue to live in New Ulm. Schugel is a New Ulm native and will remain in town. The commute to St. Peters is only 30 minutes.