Mike Riley, the Director of Montgomery Parks, recently announced that he will be retiring at the end of the year after serving the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) for 38 years.
“I truly believe I have held the best job in all of local government,” said Riley. “The Department of Parks attracts highly talented and dedicated staff who provide open space, recreational facilities, trails, and programs that make Montgomery County a great place to live, work, and play. All I have to do for job satisfaction is visit our parks and watch the many ways they are enjoyed by county residents.”
Riley began his tenure with M-NCPPC in 1985 when he was hired as a staff civil engineer responsible for designing and building parks. During his time, Riley served as Chief Engineer, Park Development Division Chief, and Deputy Director of Administration, and has been the Director of Parks since 2014.
Riley says he is proud of his role in establishing the Open Parkways Program, prioritizing investment in Equity Focus Areas, establishing the Park Activation Program, and growing the paved and natural surface trail system.
“I owe so much to so many people who have mentored and supported me along the way, but the exceptional staff of the Parks Department is at the top of the list,” said Riley. “We accomplished so much for the benefit of the residents of Montgomery County and the future looks bright for the Department of Parks. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve for 38 years, particularly the last 10 years as director of parks.”
A Kensington native married with two adult children, Riley plans to enjoy his retirement by running and biking some of the very trails he has worked to maintain in addition to visiting national parks and exploring new hobbies.
“Mike Riley’s legacy touches every part of Montgomery County,” said former Montgomery Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, who worked closely with him for more than a decade. “If you’ve ever taken a bike ride or gone for a run along Sligo Creek or the Capital Crescent Trail, or played or watched a game at the Soccerplex, or visited Brookside Gardens or any of the hundreds of other parks and facilities he helped to build, improve, and maintain, then you owe Mike Riley a huge thank you.”
