Parks, recreation director Angela Snell says goodbye

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Parks, recreation director Angela Snell says goodbye
Angela Snell stands in front of the Shrewsbury town sign. (Photo/Caroline Gordon)

SHREWSBURY – Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Snell marked her last day serving the town of Shrewsbury Sept. 30. 

“It’s been very emotional thinking about leaving the town I have enjoyed working for and being involved in for so many years,” Snell said. 

Now, Snell will soon begin her role as the town of Clinton’s first assistant town administrator. 

Town Manager Kevin Mizikar said that Snell has offered “a wide array of talents to the town.”

Most know of her service as the town’s recreation director, where she was the face of the town at so many events and activities,” he said. “She also had an amazing ability to interview and select talented candidates to serve in a variety of positions.”

Snell reflects on her Shrewsbury career

Snell began working for Shrewsbury in 2001. 

For 18 years she served as the director of parks, recreation and cemetery before she became the public facilities superintendent. Snell served in that role for three-and-a-half years prior to her final role as director of parks and recreation, which oversaw the parks and recreation programs and facilities in Shrewsbury. 

“We work behind the scenes to assist other groups with their special events on town facilities. Our department would work on park improvement projects,” she said. 

Throughout her time in Shrewsbury, Snell was involved in numerous projects.

Among some of her work in Shrewsbury, Snell said she’s enjoyed helping Parker Road Preschool build its playground and the Shrewsbury Little League install lights at Dean Park.

She’s also enjoyed assisting the Highway Department to co-sponsor Kid’s Equipment Day and participating in Community Reading Days because “the school children asked some great questions about the parks.” 

She organized town events such as the Memorial Day Parade, the food truck festival and summer concerts. She was also responsible for issuing permits for sports groups and special events, and she worked alongside the Massachusetts’s Office of Fishing and Boating Access to oversee the operations of the state boat ramps.

Riding in style in a restored 1940s Chris-Craft runabout as grand marshal is Angela Snell. Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
Riding in style in a restored 1940s Chris-Craft runabout as grand marshal is Angela Snell.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.

Snell participated in many projects for school athletic field improvements, and she collaborated with the schools, library and senior center on various committees and projects over the years.

The best part of her job, she said, was working with community groups and boards.

“There are so many wonderful groups. It’s been a pleasure working with them on projects or events,” she said. 

She said she’ll miss a number of Shrewsbury groups, including the sports teams, the Garden Club, the Boy and Girl scouts, parent-teacher groups, the Shrewsbury Trails Committee, Friends of Prospect Park, veterans groups, Special Olympics, the local crew coaches, the Lake Quinsigamond Commission and the Parks and Cemetery Commission.

“Hopefully I didn’t forget anyone because I’ve really enjoyed working with the community,” Snell said. 

Snell said she is thankful for the staff in the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Public Works. 

She added, “I’d also like to give a big thank you to all the people who have volunteered with us over the years. We couldn’t do what we do without the volunteers.” 

Building Commissioner Patty Sheehan, also a friend of Snell, has worked with Snell since she first started working for Shrewsbury 21 years ago. 

“She is a competent and caring person who always puts the best interest of the community first. Angela and I have worked together on important issues such as accessibility compliance for many town projects. I am happy for her new opportunity but I am sorry to see her leave Shrewsbury,” Sheehan said.

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