The Story of Moncus Park – A Tribute to Nature

In the geographical center of the City of Lafayette and Acadiana, sits a crown jewel that promises enchanted play and exploration in our community’s tribute to nature. Nature is the great equalizer and unifier, and parks bring people of all walks of life and ages together. Our Louisiana landscape is something to behold and can only be enjoyed when preserved. In September 2005, news broke that the property formerly known as the University of Louisiana-Lafayette’s Equestrian Center (nicknamed the “Horse Farm”) was under the threat of commercial development, contingent upon the property’s rezoning. A few students – led by Elizabeth “EB” Brooks, who in 2015 became the Park’s second Executive Director, and fellow student Danica Adams – recognized the treasure for what it was and jumped into action to preserve this space. The women planned and publicized a community meeting to discuss the best plan of action to save this 100-acre green space. More than 60 people, including community leaders and several media outlets, attended this meeting to voice concerns and show support.

Saving the “Horse Farm” became a community-wide movement as hundreds of yard signs and bumper stickers dotted the Lafayette landscape. More than 4,000 residents signed the petition, hundreds sent letters to leaders, and the community donated $10,000 for the cause. It was clear that the Lafayette community wanted to see this beautiful show of nature preserved for generations to come.

As awareness grew and people began to envision the possibilities, more leaders became involved. Joey Durel, then City-Parish President, negotiated with University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s President Dr. Ray Authement until 2008 when Dr. E. Joseph Savoie became the president. Together they devised a plan that preserved the “Horse Farm” and enabled it to become Moncus Park, nature’s central hub.

In June 2007, the City Parish Council passed a resolution reaffirming their constituents’ desires to create Moncus Park. On July 3, 2012, the Council passed an ordinance allowing for the purchase of the property by the City. The trail of success has been blazed by the support of many more public officials and community leaders, including David T. Calhoun, who served as Lafayette Central Park’s first Executive Director from 2013-14. As one of the early key voices of support, Calhoun engaged the Community Foundation of Acadiana, which assisted in exploring the many possibilities of how the land could be purchased, developed, and maintained as a public park.

Following the purchase of the “UL Horse Farm,” local leaders created an independent 501c3 non-profit, Lafayette Central Park, Inc. (LCP). LCP’s mission is to build and operate a world-class community park. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, various committees and LCP staff were tasked with overseeing the work involved with bringing this park to life, including planning, designing, fundraising, and public relations.

Throughout the community 7,400 people participated in 27 public workshops and five surveys in 2013-14 to craft and create the vision for our community’s tribute to nature, Moncus Park. In 2018, the vision began to come to life as construction started on the unique and notable elements that make the park special and unique. The onset of construction also triggered the 99-year lease between Lafayette Consolidated Government and LCP, charging LCP with maintenance and management of the park. LCP is governed by a Board of Directors, a diverse group of community leaders whose mission is to develop and facilitate a transparent process for park development.

The Naming of Moncus Park

In May 2016, Moncus Park was announced as the new name of the park in appreciation for the very generous gift from Mr. James Devin Moncus, a philanthropist in the Acadiana community.

A business visionary, Mr. Moncus carries out his community vision through the James Devin Moncus Family Foundation. The Foundation believes hard work, dedication, and an entrepreneurial spirit are keys to a full and rich life. Mr. Moncus’ vision is to give back to the Acadiana community by supporting organizations and individuals that exemplify these values and make a difference in people’s lives.

The Foundation gives to organizations that address “big picture” problems, taking a pro-active, rather than reactive, approach to solving them. Mr. Moncus’ giving philosophy stems from his history as a self-made businessman who built a successful company from humble beginnings, always maintaining a strong sense of philanthropy and willingness to lend a hand to those in need. It is this same work ethic and sense of community that guides the work of his foundation. The bountiful gifts of Mr. Moncus are greatly appreciated.