Ray McDonald begins his tenure as the new director of the Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department on Feb. 1.

“The city of Roanoke is looking forward to welcoming Ray McDonald to the team of hard-working and talented parks and recreation department staff,” Roanoke City Manager Cody Petree said in a press release.

Before coming on with Roanoke, McDonald worked with the city of Euless in various parks and recreation roles, including as a part-time maintenance worker to director, where he was responsible for more than 300 acres of park land and award-winning special events, according to the release.

Other notable career highlights in Euless include the renovation and expansion of the Parks at Texas Star, the Euless Family Life Center renovation, additions to the South Euless Park, Villages of Bear Creek, and J.A. Carr Park.

As director of Euless parks and recreation, McDonald also oversaw the expansion of the city’s trail network, which allowed for connectivity throughout Euless.


In addition to more than 34 years of parks and recreation experience, McDonald holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and several emergency management certifications.