Listen to this note:
The Redwood City Council recognized Chris Beth, director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, for 25 years of service to the city, and who is retiring after a quarter of a century of work for the city.
“On behalf of the City Council and the people of Redwood City, we hereby honor and extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Chris for his excellence and leadership as Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and for his continued commitment to public service and the Redwood City community. We wish him all the best as he closes this chapter and begins a new one, and look forward to many, many more great things to come,” said Redwood City Mayor Jeff Gee.
During the regular Council meeting held on Monday, April 15, Redwood City Manager Melissa Stephen Diaz recognized Beth's achievements and contributions to the city and community.
“Chris’ commitment to our community is truly legendary. And this has been possible because Chris is not only Mr. Redwood City, he is also Mr. Yes. Everyone knows that Chris looks for ways to see possibilities, to recognize the best in others, to open doors and to push us to be a community where everyone belongs,” he said.
The thanks were also expressed by the vice mayor Lissette Espinoza Garnica, as well as by councillors Howard, Eakin, Aguirre, Martínez Saballos and Sturken, who highlighted the values, human quality and great ease with which he carried out the plans of the area he was in charge of, as well as its growth.
“These are going to be big shoes to fill and we are very grateful for the service he has provided. Thank you to his family for all the sacrifices they made to allow us to have Chris and benefit from his skills,” said Councilwoman Aguirre.
On behalf of the Hispanic community in the city, Verónica Escámez Martínez, executive director and founder of the Casa Círculo Cultural organization, thanked Beth for all the years of service and support. “We will miss you very much,” she said.
Chris Beth took the microphone visibly moved after the words directed at him and the career he had during those 25 years of work. He first thanked his wife, Alyssa, his son, Tyler, and his daughter, Casey, for their support during all this time of work.
She also thanked her team, of whom she said: “They are absolutely incredible and valuable and I couldn't do my job without them so I want to thank them for that.”
Finally, he thanked all the residents and neighbors of the city, whom he thanked for their support, creativity and work to find joint solutions to the challenges that his work has faced throughout all these years.
Chris Beth joined the City of Redwood City in 1998 and was named Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services in 2010.
During his impressive tenure in Redwood City, Chris has been instrumental in driving countless community projects including the launch of the Parks and Arts Foundation, the Magic Bridge Playground, the Veterans Memorial Senior Center facility upgrade, and the YMCA facility modernization.
He also spearheaded many park renovation projects at Hoover Park, Linden Park, Art and Nano's Park, and oversaw the acquisition of the armory at Casey Garrett Park, the racial equity mural, and many other public art projects helping to transform Redwood City into a premier arts and cultural destination on the Peninsula.
With a proclamation, Beth was recognized for her leadership and positive influence on the parks and recreation profession within Redwood City, throughout the region and the state.
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