Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks to retire after 41 years of service to MVF

Scott Gole is to retire from his position as Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks after completing over 41 years of service to the Montgomery Village community. Scott joined the department full time on November 10, 1980 as a Recreation Leader, and during his time with MVF grew from a programmer to a park manager, and then in 1995 was promoted to his current position, Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks. Gole’s last day working for MVF will be Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.

Over his 41-year tenure, Scott has had a huge impact on the quality of life of the Montgomery Village community through his work managing the Reserve Program and overseeing all recreation projects. Of the many projects he has managed, those he is most proud of include: the major pool renovations of Whetstone Pool (2013), Peggy Mark Pool (2017) and the recently renovated North Creek Pool. Gole was also proud to obtain State funding for the construction of the South Valley Park Concessions Stand, and restrooms for the ballfield and lawn theater in 2015. Scott also took point on other South Valley Park improvements over the years including, renovating the field to a premium Bermudagrass surface; expansion of the parking lot, including adding lighting; and the pending scoreboard that will be installed later this year. All these improvements have really elevated the conditions for sporting and outdoor special events such as the Summers at South Valley Park concert series. Gole was also very involved in the renovation of Lake Whetstone Dock and Boathouse in 2011.

Outside of his role in project management, Gole really took a lot of pride in getting MVF stormwater management structural maintenance responsibilities turned over to Montgomery County. This has resulted in the county being responsible to fund and execute a number of major stormwater management projects, including dredging Lake Whetstone, repairing the toe drain and the repairing the outfall tower at Lake Whetstone. These structural maintenance projects would have cost MVF millions of dollars.

Scott has really enjoyed his role at MVF, noting the variety of work over the years, which has kept things fresh. In a position like this, every day has been different, and over his 41-year career, the different experiences helped Gole to continue to grow personally and professionally, as well as help Montgomery Village continue to grow.

Gole plans to spend his well-deserved retirement recreating. He plans to hike, bike, kayak explore and travel.

Congratulations, Scott, on a long and impactful career with the Montgomery Village Foundation. Your dedication to the community has benefitted all Village residents and you will be missed by staff and residents alike.