Redwood City Parks Director Inducted In Prestigious U.S. Academy

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Peninsula city's Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Christopher Beth will be inducted as a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration at the National Recreation and Park Association annual conference starting Sept. 24. Once inducted, Beth will join an elite group of only 125 members nationwide.

The academy and its members are a group of distinguished practitioners and educators who are leaders in the field of park and recreation. Members must have served for at least 15 years in a high level of administration in a park and recreation agency, as a recognized educator in parks and recreation administration. Or, they must be a political appointee who manages a park and recreation department for an agency with a population of more than 500,000 people.

"I'm humbled to be selected by my peers to join this distinguished group of national leaders, and I look forward to contributing to the advancement of park and recreation initiatives across the country," Beth said. "This honor underscores the great work our team has done to serve the residents of Redwood City and reflects our city's commitment to building a great community through innovative park and recreation services."

Beth has been with Redwood City since 1998 and has served as the department's Superintendent and then director since 2001. He is a past president of the California Park & Recreation Society and also serves as a board member of the Redwood City Police Activities League.

"This honor is well deserved," City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz. "Everyone who knows Chris recognizes his vision, passion and energy. Our parks and recreational facilities and community events are foundational to making Redwood City a wonderful place to live and work. Chris continues to find ways to innovate and improve the parks and recreation experience for everyone who lives here, and to serve people of all ages, abilities and interests.

The AAPRA was established in 1980. The academy was formed to advance knowledge related to the administration of recreation and parks.

More information about Redwood City may be found visiting its website.