Meet the Director episodes

As the leader of Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), Superintendent AP Diaz hopes that every resident and visitor to Seattle will enjoy a deep and rich love of our parks and public spaces. Superintendent Diaz was appointed as interim superintendent in September, 2022, and took his oath of office in July, 2023. Prior to this appointment, Superintendent Diaz served as Executive Officer for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and an Assistant General Manager overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Department.

Seattle Parks and Recreation supports healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community, providing safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. SPR manages a 6,441-acre park system of over 489 parks and extensive natural areas. SPR provides athletic fields, tennis courts, play areas, specialty gardens, and more than 25 miles of boulevards and 120 miles of trails. The system comprises about 12% of the city's land area. SPR also manages many facilities, including 25 community centers, eight indoor swimming pools, two outdoor (summer) swimming pools, two environmental education centers, two small craft centers, four golf courses, an outdoor stadium, and much more.