[citation needed] Crawford was instrumental in establishing them as recreational areas for beneficial activities for the community.
[2] Crawford was President of the National Recreation and Park Association and a life member of its trustees' board.
Under his leadership, parks in the city added trails for hikers, basketball courts for people who used wheelchairs, and exercise programs based in community centers for the elderly.
[11][12] Much of Crawford's career was spent lobbying government officials to increase the number of parks and recreational programs.
[13] As Executive Director, he played a key role in the development and growth of the National Recreation Foundation.
Philadelphia Mayor William Green praised him, saying, "If recreation were baseball, he would be a Babe Ruth or a Hank Aaron.
[16] Temple University Libraries holds a collection of his professional papers where he held an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Service.