Charles E. Doell (1894-1983) received the local level Pugsley Medal in recognition of his long and distinguished service in the field of municipal parks and recreation and his valuable contribution to the literature through his writing, lecturing, and consultation. He was born in Minneapolis, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in civil engineering, and served with the U.S. Army Transportation Corps in France at the end of World War I from 1918-1919, attaining the rank of first sergeant. After returning, he worked with the Minneapolis Park Board in 1911 as a draftsman while a student at South High School. After his military service, he rejoined the park board staff as an engineer, surveyor, and aide to Theodore Wirth, the founder and long-time director of the city's park system.
He served the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners for his entire professional life, moving through the ranks to hold positions as assistant engineer, assistant secretary, secretary, and assistant superintendent, and from 1945 until his retirement at age 65 in 1959 he was superintendent. Over the years, he forged close ties with his predecessor superintendents, Theodore Wirth and Christian Bossen, and greatly influenced them both.Doell was an articulate and imaginative national leader of America’s park movement. He was well-known for his congeniality and his genuine interest in people. As a national spokesman for the park profession, Charles Doell was an adamant advocate for providing quality in public service.
Doell was president of the American Institute of Park Executives in 1957 and was instrumental in extending the Institute’s service and influence to park systems throughout the United States. He was prominent in the early affairs of the National Recreation and Park Association and in the founding of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.