Get to Know: Morgan Monaco

We are excited to welcome our new President and Park Administrator Morgan Monaco to the Prospect Park family! She officially starts in January, but get to know her a little better ahead of her arrival in this Q&A:

Do you have a favorite spot to visit in Prospect Park?

I love the Lake! It has so many special spots and nooks to observe wildlife or just sit among the trees. My son loves “fishing” with a stick and seeing what he can find. The Lake holds a lot of special memories for me.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

In my free time I love to cook or try a new restaurant with friends. I find cooking to be a really relaxing space to get out my creative energy. That said, I’m sadly not entirely adventurous with new recipes. I kind of rely on my old favorites and don’t refer to a recipe, just my instinct. I love to cook and listen to a good album. Music and food are my happy spaces.

Please tell us about your pets!

We have two cats who were both Brooklyn Bridge Park rescues. Their names are Raymour and Flannigan. They are both extremely friendly and sometimes act more like dogs than cats.

What is your favorite local bite or beverage? 

My favorite food is macaroni and cheese and I welcome any and all recommendations for where to find good mac and cheese around the park. For now, I would say my favorite mac and cheese is at Brookvin.

What is a favorite memory you’ve made in Prospect Park?

This is such a hard question! I’ve had so many important memories in Prospect Park that it’s hard to choose just one. I got engaged on the steps of the Picnic House, my son learned how to ride his scooter right by Vanderbilt Playground, we’ve made snow angels and snow people…so many amazing things happened in my life in Prospect Park. I would say there isn’t just one memory but rather decades of wonder and love for such a beautiful and sacred space.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

This isn’t advice so much as it is a mantra, but I tend to operate with a sense of urgency and a sense of humor. I am passionate about the work I do and it compels me to want to move things forward, however in life you can’t take yourself too seriously and it’s important to make work fun by enjoying the people you work with.

Learn more about Morgan Monaco and her appointment as President and Park Administrator.