Charles Lewis

Charles "Chuck" Lewis believed that anyone could accomplish anything once there was a committment. His philosophy of life had a tremendous impact on many young recreation professionals.

 

Upon obtaining his B.S. degree from Langston University, Lewis began his career in parks and recreation as a Jr. Recreation Instructor for the City of Detroit.  Even though he was promoted many times, he left the department on occasion to undertake other career opportunities.  Along the way, he attained a Master’s Degree in Recreation and Park Services from Wayne State University and a second Masters’ from Michigan State University in Business Administration. 

 

For 10 years, Lewis was an Associate Professor in the Parks and Recreation Department at Wayne State University where he developed unique programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.  He imparted to each student the fundamental influence recreation leaders could have in their community and the impact they could have by making a difference in people’s lives.

 

Lewis returned to the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department to serve as the Superintendent.  He and staff developed more than 150 programs such as summer camps, senior sports, after-school leisure activities-- many of these for delinquent youth and substance abusers.  Lewis was a visionary who had the ability to dream big and pursue that dream.

 

Lewis promoted the recreation profession in many creative venues.  He hosted television and radio shows and wrote leisure articles for newspapers.  Through an NRPA grant, he aired TV commercials “Life Be In It” using city residents and recreation programs.  He was a prolific writer and speaker making many presentations on crime as a negative leisure time experience.

 

He was active on the national level by serving on the NRPA Program Committee and the Ethnic Minority Society.  Lewis received the MRPA Fellowship Award, and the Ernest T. Atwell Award from the NRPEMS.

 

Following retirement, Lewis continued to serve his community and the recreation field.  He was a member of the Skillman Foundation board and the Detroit Commission on Recreation. 

 

Charles Lewis is remembered for his love of the recreation profession. 

He truly understands how recreation contributes to quality of life within a community. 

Charles Lewis

Charles "Chuck" Lewis believed that anyone could accomplish anything once there was a committment. His philosophy of life had a tremendous impact on many young recreation professionals.

 

Upon obtaining his B.S. degree from Langston University, Lewis began his career in parks and recreation as a Jr. Recreation Instructor for the City of Detroit.  Even though he was promoted many times, he left the department on occasion to undertake other career opportunities.  Along the way, he attained a Master’s Degree in Recreation and Park Services from Wayne State University and a second Masters’ from Michigan State University in Business Administration. 

 

For 10 years, Lewis was an Associate Professor in the Parks and Recreation Department at Wayne State University where he developed unique programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.  He imparted to each student the fundamental influence recreation leaders could have in their community and the impact they could have by making a difference in people’s lives.

 

Lewis returned to the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department to serve as the Superintendent.  He and staff developed more than 150 programs such as summer camps, senior sports, after-school leisure activities-- many of these for delinquent youth and substance abusers.  Lewis was a visionary who had the ability to dream big and pursue that dream.

 

Lewis promoted the recreation profession in many creative venues.  He hosted television and radio shows and wrote leisure articles for newspapers.  Through an NRPA grant, he aired TV commercials “Life Be In It” using city residents and recreation programs.  He was a prolific writer and speaker making many presentations on crime as a negative leisure time experience.

 

He was active on the national level by serving on the NRPA Program Committee and the Ethnic Minority Society.  Lewis received the MRPA Fellowship Award, and the Ernest T. Atwell Award from the NRPEMS.

 

Following retirement, Lewis continued to serve his community and the recreation field.  He was a member of the Skillman Foundation board and the Detroit Commission on Recreation. 

 

Charles Lewis is remembered for his love of the recreation profession. 

He truly understands how recreation contributes to quality of life within a community.