Celebrating Black History with Ernest Attwell

Ernest T. Attwell began his career with the National Recreation Association in 1919, few cities were providing recreation programs for African Americans. As a result of his leadership, more than 230 communities established playgrounds and community centers for African-American citizens. During his 30 years of service with the National Recreation Association, he accomplished more than any other individual in expanding recreation opportunities for minority groups. His work constituted a major contribution to the growth of the recreation movement in America. Ernest was “a pioneer in the field of providing a more abundant life, an inspiration to workers in the recreation profession, and a man who left an indelible imprint upon hundreds of communities across the country,”

Citations provided by Colors of Recreation (1996) and the Play and Playground Encylopedia.