Robert W. Crawford

Robert Wilson Crawford (April 11, 1906 – April 11, 1995) was an American , until his death, a pioneer of public park policy and served in the park and recreation field for over forty years. As the "Commissioner of Recreation" in Philadelphia, he established a national model for local government’s provision of recreational services for all citizens and his methods have been copied in cities nationwide.

Crawford was instrumental in establishing them as recreational areas for beneficial activities for the community. Crawford was President of the National Recreation and Park Association and life member of its trustees board.

He was co-founder and former executive director of the National Recreation Foundation. Philadelphia's recreational facilities grew from 94 to 815 under Crawford's leadership. He is credited with developing programs for the elderly, preschoolers, and the handicapped.

Crawford was one of the foremost distinguished professionals in the park and recreation field and easily one of the most respected researchers and practitioners in this field.

Crawford was born in Maryland on April 11, 1906 but raised in Iowa. Crawford graduated from Des Moines University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1929. He also attended New York University where he received his Master's degree. He also graduated from the National Recreation School in New York City.

In 1934, Crawford began his career with a job as Director of Recreation for Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. In 1946, Crawford became superintendent of recreation in Oakland, California for five years before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1952. His first position there was recreation administrator and later, he served as Commissioner of Recreation from 1952 until 1981. He was also the president of the Fairmount Park Commission.

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