Joseph Abrahams was born in South
Africa and came to the United States when he was 14. He was a certified Park
and Recreation Professional with over 45 years of experience. Before he passed away in 2002, had served as the Director of Recreation for the City of
Tampa, Florida since 1978, and oversaw a $10 million budget and a full time staff of 200
professionals and 235 seasonal employees. The
City of Tampa is the largest provider of leisure and recreational services in
the region with 50 community centers, 44 athletic fields, 14 tennis/racquetball
sites, 13 pools, four art studios, two beaches, one fitness center and one
skating rink.
He was employed with the City of Tampa beginning in 1978, until his death in 2002. During his tenure, Joe was been an invaluable asset and innovator and assisted the city with the development and completion of several major projects including the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, and the Tampa Museum of Art. He has also been instrumental in the planning, coordination and successful execution of major such as the 1996 Olympic Torch Run, 1992 Olympic Send-Off, Super Bowl XVIII, and Super Bowl XXV. He was an active member of the community and served on a host of civic and social service committees over the years
In addition to his
membership AAPRA, Joe was a member of the NRPA since its inception
in the mid-1960s serving on the Board of Directors and on several committees. He is
was member of the Florida Recreation & Park
Association (FRPA), the Tampa Sports Commission and the Gasparilla Distance
Classic Association. Joe
received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to the profession
including the 1992 Achievement Award from FRPA and the 1991 Harold D. Meyer
Award from NRPA.