John McGowan started as a 15-year-old lifeguard at a Woodlands Township pool. Twenty-seven years later, he runs the whole operation.

McGowan, Director of Parks and Recreation for The Woodlands Township, now oversees more than 150 parks, 14 swimming pools and over 220 miles of hike-and-bike pathways, according to a Q&A profile published Sept. 8 by Woodlands Online. He has held the director role for just over four years.

His path started in the water. McGowan has taught lifeguards for 31 years and met his wife while working at the Township pools. She is an eighth-grade teacher at McCullough Junior High. Their two sons grew up using the same parks and programs he manages.

"I became a lifeguard at 15 and have progressed through different positions in the parks and recreation field," McGowan told Woodlands Online.

The job is bigger than most residents might guess. McGowan's department covers park maintenance, recreation programming, aquatics, environmental services, special events, forestry and capital improvement projects. He prepares and administers multi-million-dollar operational and capital budgets with both full-time and seasonal staff.

One of the largest projects under his watch is the $11.22-million Phase 1 renovation of Alden Bridge Sports Park, which Hello Woodlands reported was scheduled to begin in January. The work adds two artificial turf fields, two grass fields, expanded parking and a new driveway connection to State Highway 242. Completion is expected in early 2027.

Township Board Treasurer Richard Franks praised McGowan's work at the May 28 board meeting, noting his presentation to the Village Presidents' Council on park activities and construction drew good discussion, according to Hello Woodlands coverage of that meeting.

McGowan holds a bachelor's degree in geosciences from Texas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University. He has completed more than 100 races, including running events and triathlons. He has lived in The Woodlands for 30 years.

His biggest challenge, he told Woodlands Online, is keeping up with changing trends and making sure programs match what residents want.

Residents who want to weigh in on parks programming can email or call McGowan or one of the department's two assistant directors, submit inquiries through thewoodlandsparks.com, or comment on the department's social media posts.

Fall 2026 program registration opened Monday, Aug. 10. The department's next event is the 25th Anniversary Patriot Day of Remembrance on Friday, Sept. 11, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at The Woodlands Central Fire Station, 9951 Grogan's Mill Road.