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After 25 years of service and dedication to enhancing community life, Chris Beth, the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, is retiring.
The city marked the occasion with a heartfelt farewell reception and a special proclamation at the City Council meeting on April 15, celebrating Beth’s contributions and leadership.
Beth, originally from Palo Alto, began his career in recreation, attending local after-school programs. His career in municipal parks and recreation spans over thirty years. Beth joined the City of Redwood City staff in 1998 and was appointed director of parks, recreation, and community Services in 2010. During his tenure, he has overseen several significant projects that have enhanced the city’s aesthetics and contributed to strengthening community ties, according to a proclamation issued in his honor.
“Chris’ exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication to public service have made a lasting impact on Redwood City. Through his passion and foresight, he has reshaped Redwood City into a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents,” said Mayor Jeff Gee. “His passion and foresight have made a lasting impact on our community.
“His legacy will serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come,” he added.
City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz praised Beth’s “creative, empowering, and dedicated service,” noting that he “always looks for ways to say ‘yes’ to new ideas and initiatives.
Beth’s commitment extended beyond the local level.
He was actively involved with the California Park and Recreation Society, serving on the State Board of Directors for six years and serving as president from 2009 to 2010. In 2017, he received the Gus Vellis Award for his mentorship and leadership.
Beth said that reflecting on his career was a “true honor and blessing to have had the opportunity to serve the City of Redwood City for the past 25 years.”
“Redwood City has not only been the place where I have built my career but also where I have raised my family,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for the support and opportunities this remarkable city has afforded me.
Beth described his role as collaborative, emphasizing partnerships that have enriched Redwood City from having worked with the Arts Commission on the City’s public art program, including the impactful Racial Equity Mural, helping to establish the City-YMCA partnership, and initiating the first phase of construction with the new Veterans Memorial Building/Senior Center project.
As he prepares for retirement, Beth expressed his gratitude towards his staff, city department heads, and the City Council for their support and visionary leadership, which fostered an environment conducive to innovation and community service.
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