U.S. Play Coalition Recognizes Doug Youngblood’s Contribution to ‘The Power of Play’

man in a vest standing at a scenic overlook

If you knew Doug Youngblood, you know he believed in the “Power of Play.” For decades, Doug shared his energy and influence with many organizations dedicated to recreation and play, so it was only fitting that a national group he championed from its early years would pay tribute to his incredible contributions.

In April, the U.S. Play Coalition remembered Doug during a luncheon at Clemson University, paying tribute to his many tireless years advocating for recreation in Charlotte and the region.

“Doug believed play was for all ages, and that’s why he loved it,” says Partner for Parks Board Member and Assistant Treasurer Alvin Woods. “He wanted playgrounds to be inclusive because play is for everyone.”

Woods and Youngblood go “way back” – even joking they were “brothers” because, coincidentally, their mothers shared the same first and middle names: Martha Elizabeth. Doug championed play all around Mecklenburg County, where he was a strong supporter of the Rollin’ Hornets wheelchair basketball league, various ProCamps, Charlotte Flight Track & Field, and worked with Woods and Partners for Parks to bring the 2016 Paralympic Trials to Charlotte.

And not only did Doug Youngblood co-found Partners for Parks, but he also pushed to create Partners for Play, the first affiliate of the U.S. Play Coalition in the country, in Mecklenburg County.

“He was an action person,” says Woods. “He was not one to sit around and talk about what we should be doing, he wanted to do it!” Prior to the founding of Partners for Play here under the Partners for Parks umbrella, the U.S. Play Coalition was simply an annual conference bringing together the country’s most active minds in recreation – in land design, recreation, engineering, and education – to discuss best practices. For Doug, talking was not enough.

“Doug said, ‘We need to put this into action,’ and that’s where Partners for Play was born,” says Woods. After a lifetime of dedication to recreation, it was gratifying to see Doug honored at the Play Conference. “It was a very touching moment,” he adds.

Woods spoke his own tribute to Doug, making an acronym that put the letters of his friend’s name into thoughts and words:

“Looking at Doug Youngblood’s name as an acronym, I will describe Doug the man:

D – Dedicated
O – Outspoken about his beliefs
U – Unique individual, small in stature but stood tall with his commitments
G – Giving most of the times, grumpy sometimes
Y – Youth were his heartbeat
O – Ongoing with his commitments
U – Underestimated but qualifies as a Hall of Famer
N – Never failed in his drive to push his point of view
G – Great friend and advocate of play for all ages
B – Battle ready for all occasions
L – Loved little people or underdogs
O – Obligated himself to do something or things to help others
O – Obliterated roadblocks for all, inclusiveness was his goal
D – Determined to make a difference on this earth with his words, actions and deeds. Even in his absence from this earth, he is still helping others, myself included.”

“DOUG YOUNGBLOOD was A GREAT FRIEND TO ME, PARTNERS FOR PARKS, THE US PLAY COALITION, PARTNERS FOR PLAY AND MANY OTHERS.”

Woods adds that even though he knew his friend was in declining health, Doug never quit advocating.

“Doug never took a break,” says Woods. “He was still planning 2022-23 for Partners for Play. He wanted to contribute as much as he could.”

The Co-Founder of the U.S. Play Coalition, Fran Mainella, agrees Youngblood’s advocacy for play never wavered.

“Right from the beginning, Doug felt that play was important for all – children all the way through us seasoned Seniors,” says Mainella. “He wasn’t just a talker; he was a doer. He always had innovative thoughts about how to get things done.”

As Youngblood created Partners for Play in 2019, he was already thinking of ways to expand its reach throughout and even beyond Mecklenburg County, says Mainella. She recalls how Doug would work to create events, make facilities available, and ensure the community was aware of opportunities for play. She’ll miss bouncing ideas off him and listening to his energy and expertise.

“I’ll miss talking to him on the phone,” Mainella says. “He cared so much and was always willing to help others, was always there to help, and was ready to make that help happen.”

In addition to Woods’ touching tribute, Doug’s brother Quay spoke eloquently in his memory, recapping a great life.

Although their words of tribute are different, everyone close to Doug knows his contributions to recreation and play in the Mecklenburg County region are a lasting legacy to his name.

“He kept busy and never gave up,” says Woods. “Doug always wanted to do more for youth, adult, and physically-challenged recreation. He wanted to contribute as much as he could.”

“He is truly missed,” he adds.