Dorothea Lensch (October 5, 1907 – June 27, 2000) was named Portland Parks and Recreation’s first Director of Recreation in 1937. She envisioned recreation programs that would change the lives of children by exposing them to the possibilities provided through the arts, sports and other recreational activities. She designed a Recreation Division that developed a comprehensive plan and program which served all neighborhood age levels in sports, physical activities, dance, music, arts, crafts and social recreation.
A native of Portland, Lensch attended the University of Oregon, then earned a masters degree from Wellsley College in Massachusetts.
During her tenure, the number of city facilities for parks and recreation increased from three to eighteen. Three major stadiums, ball fields, tennis courts and swimming pools were also added. Lensch developed an extensive recreation program for shipyard workers and their families during World War II. Many had relocated to work in the shipyards and had no previous connection to the city. Lensch believed the adjustment would come easier if recreation was available to all family members, all day, within walking distance of their homes. Her dissertation on those programs completed her PhD at UO in 1966.
Following the war, Lensch founded the much-beloved Portland Children's Museum (then known as The Adventure House). She was responsible for creating specific programs for children with disabilities and the elderly. Dorthea started Special Olympics competition in Portland and served as director of the Northwest Regional Special Olympics Games.
Dorothea retired in 1974 after 37 years but remained an active supporter of children’s programs. She also served on the boards of the Portland Opera Association, the Japanese Garden and Portland State University Foundation.