Lewisville Director of Parks and Leisure Services Bob Monaghan loves outdoor activities

by Minnie Payne

LEWISVILLE — Bob Monaghan, Lewisville’s 53-year-old Director of Parks and Leisure Services, loves outdoors.

“I grew up camping and spending as much time outdoors as possible,” he said. “I also had the opportunity to work a couple of summers as a backpack guide at Philmont Scouting Ranch, a national high adventure scouting ranch in Cimarron, N.M.

“And I participated in track and cross country in high school.”

Monaghan grew up in Richardson and graduated from Richardson High School in 1972. After receiving an associate degree from Richland Junior College, he took a year off to try to decide what he wanted to do with his life. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in recreation in 1978.

“I worked 30 to 35 hours a week while in school and paid my tuition,” he said.

Monaghan has attended the National Park Maintenance School, associated with the National Recreation and Parks Association, for the last six years.

“I think you need to constantly challenge yourself,” he said.

Monaghan oversees the operations of the Recreation, Parks and Library Divisions with over 70 full time and numerous part-time and seasonal employees. He has been with the City of Lewisville for 28 years, serving as Recreation Superintendent then Parks Manager before becoming Director in 2006.

When he came on board in 1979, Lewisville’s population was 24,000, with six parks. Today’s population is 90,000, with more than 30 park areas and greenbelts and numerous recreational opportunities.

Monaghan said that he was not an outgoing child and had difficulty making speeches.

“It’s not my favorite thing to do now, but I’ve learned to work through it,” he said.

He said one of his proudest accomplishments is having been involved with the Boy Scouts.

“I’ve worked with a number of scouts over the years, including my son, and have been able to pass onto them the love of the outdoors,” he said. “I’ve been able to encourage and help many of them challenge themselves and obtain their Eagle Scout Award.”

Monaghan said that Scouting teaches young men responsibility; it teaches them how to be good citizens; it teaches them how to be involved in their community.

“We [recreation department] have worked with a number of scouts in doing Eagle projects throughout the city, so the city has received a direct benefit from that as well,” he said.

Monaghan said that he gets a lot of satisfaction by going to the parks and athletic facilities and seeing people benefiting from various activities.

“It makes me feel good to know that I have played a role in making that possible,” he said.

Monaghan oversees the library by providing the library manager, who oversees the operations, with the necessary support and needs.

“Fortunately, Bob and I worked together in scouting and have been personal friends for a number of years,” said friend Bill Beattie. “I have had the opportunity to observe him working with youth and would have to describe him as an individual who truly cares.

“He cares deeply about the future of our country; of our city, and where our youth fit into the big picture.”

He and his wife, Cheryl, have been married 27 years and have a son, Rob, 21.