New Prospect Park Alliance Head Faces Major Challenge In 'MooseGate'

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — A new president will take over the organization that manages Brooklyn's backyard as Prospect Park-goers grapple with the aftermath of a fatal attack on a local dog.

Morgan Monaco's leadership was announced Tuesday in a Prospect Park Alliance press release that highlighted her ability to work with nonprofits and city agencies.

"I am thrilled to welcome Morgan Monaco as the new President of Prospect Park Alliance," said Board of Directors chair Iris Weinshall. "[Monaco possesses] exactly the right knowledge and expertise to to successfully lead one of the city's most cherished green spaces."

The new head makes her debut as frustrations mount over the local 78th Precinct's seeming inability — or unwillingness — to find a park-residing suspect in last August's killing of beloved dog Moose.

Monaco, in an interview with the New York Times, said the "MooseGate" incident — spurred by a man's unprovoked attack on a dog — exemplifies the demand for improved mental health services in New York City.

"It shines light on the need for outreach services for people suffering from mental illnesses and emotionally disturbed persons who could benefit from social services rather than the criminal justice system," Monaco said.

Monaco reportedly said the organization's role should be to "work hand in hand with both areas to support the safety of all parkgoers."

The new head's stance rankled at least one Park Slope resident who dubbed the situation "MooseGate" and told Patch, after reading about her comment on crime, he "wanted to vomit."

Monaco, a born and bred New Yorker, most recently served as the executive director of the Red Hook Initiative, a community and youth development organization focused on serving the 6,500 residents at the Red Hook Houses.

She will be the first Black director in the Prospect Park Alliance's 35 year history.

The Alliance, formed in 1987 to provide stewardship over Brooklyn's Backyard after years of deterioration, has an operating budget of $13 million and a $25 million endowment, according to its press release release, and claims to have secured $130 million in public funding for capital improvements.

Some of those projects include the restoration of Endale Arch, Concert Grove Pavilion and the Vale.

Monaco's past work in city government includes time at the Parks department as director of the MillionTreesNYC initiative and later as a director for forestry, horticulture and natural resources.

The new park boss will be holding under her arm degrees from NYU and Vassar College as she moves into her new office.

According to the release, Monaco lives in Windsor Terrace with her husband, son, and two cats named after the furniture retail leviathans, Raymour and Flannigan.