Al Moll to retire as Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director
(February 8, 2018) – Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll announced today that he will retire from his position effective March 30.
Director Moll has served as Executive Director since 2005. Under his leadership, the Parks & Recreation Department expanded neighborhood outreach programs, increased venues, added new parks and has consistently operated with a near 90% customer approval rating. One of Director Moll’s initial challenges was to turn some of the Department’s operating units into business centers. Those efforts were rewarded with stronger giving from the private sector. Foellinger Theatre and the Botanical Conservatory have become popular mainstays on the local map. During his tenure, a signature project, Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground, was recognized worldwide as a premier venue for children of all abilities. Major improvements and expansion at local parks like Salomon Farm, Foster, Lakeside and McMillen transpired.
More recently Director Moll was charged with the leadership role for Riverfront Development Phase 1. The $26 million Phase 1, or Promenade Park, was made possible without the use of taxpayer dollars or debt. The City is now poised to proceed with Phases II & III.
“Al has been a tremendous public servant with a commitment to providing excellent services to our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I appreciate and admire Al’s ability to develop and implement innovative initiatives that have had a lasting and meaningful impact in Fort Wayne. We’ll miss his experience, expertise and leadership and wish him well.”
Director Moll was not new to city government when he began his position at the Parks & Recreation Department. He was the City Controller in 2003 and the City’s first Deputy Mayor in 2004 and 2005. His career in the private sector includes executive positions in banking and he is a former business owner.
Director Moll served on several boards, including Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Civic Theatre and the Hospital Authority.
“It has been a tremendous ride and I have been honored and privileged to play a leadership role in the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department,” said Director Moll. “Our success and recognition is due to the incredible group of passionate employees who come to work every day to serve our community. Their commitment, along with the ongoing support of the Board of Park Commissioners, The Mayor and the Fort Wayne community, has made my job easy. At the end of the day, it is time to move on, knowing the future of the Parks & Recreation Department and the Fort Wayne community is only going to get better and better.”
The Board of Park Commissioners has already begun the search for Director Moll’s successor.
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