(The Center Square) – Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent AP (Anthony-Paul) Diaz’s contract was not renewed by new Mayor Katie Wilson, leading to his departure and replacement by Deputy Superintendent of Policy and Finance Michele Finnegan on an interim basis.
Diaz’s departure follows recent scrutiny over his frequent and costly trips – both domestic and international – while in office under previous Mayor Bruce Harrell, who hired Diaz in 2022.
As originally reported by Seattle Red, Diaz traveled extensively across the U.S. and to foreign destinations, including Colombia, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, while on the job. Some of his international trips exceeded $6,000 each. Taxpayer dollars were not always used, and there is no evidence that any policies or rules were violated.
The Center Square reached out to Wilson’s office via multiple voicemails and an email, asking whether the nonrenewal of Diaz’s contract was related to the controversy over his extensive travel while in office, and whether there would be any investigation into Diaz’s work trips. No response was received.
Seattle Parks and Recreation also did not respond to a request for comment.
The department has stated that some travel was for conferences, with other entities sometimes paying, and noted Diaz forfeited significant vacation time.
According to Seattle wage data, there is an Anthony Diaz listed as an “Executive 4” with the Parks and Recreation Department, with an hourly rate of $153.70, which translates to nearly $320,000 a year based on a 40-hour workweek.
Critics argue Seattle parks are declining due to increased homeless encampments, drug activity and crime, even as Diaz was traveling the globe.
Several parks, including Dr. Jose Rizal, Seven Hills and Blanche Lavizzo, have faced closures or fencing due to persistent maintenance issues, vandalism and safety concerns.
In a prepared statement as part of a news release from the mayor’s office regarding Wilson’s decisions on the leadership of several city departments, Diaz touted his accomplishments.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have led the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department,” he said. “With a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees, they are the ones who make Seattle’s Parks the 8th best park system in America. Even in the rainy, cold, and darkest of days they show up and out for community – providing exceptional park experiences, with a love and commitment to enriching the lives of children, teens, adults and our aging population.”
The Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore Index ranked Seattle eighth nationally.
