Joseph Lee, Recreation Pioneer

COMMONLY REFERRED TO as the "father of the American playground," Joseph Lee has also been called a pioneer in organized recreation in America. In addition, Lee has been thought of as the philosopher of the movement for creative recreation. Lee was elected president of the Playground Association of America in 1910 and continued in that capacity until his death in 1937. He served with practical wisdom, social insight, loyalty, and generosity. The PAA, which he served with much distinction, later became known as the National Recreation Association.

A man who served for 27 years in the presidency of a national organization - especially at such a strategic time period in our nation's history - had to be of high caliber. It has been said that the Playground Association of America (later known as the National Recreation Association) has done more than any other organization to make America conscious of the importance of organized recreation. Lee's influence was deeply entrenched in those early years in the work of the organization, and is no doubt, still strongly felt - even today.