Art Shepherd is retiring — again — from his position leading the St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Department on Friday, and he’s taking his pink jacket with him when he goes.
Shepherd previously retired and returned two other times, but it appears the third time’s the charm.
“It was a 40-year career that was nothing but delightful and positive,” Shepherd said, adding he wanted to invest more time at a local church. “You just know when it’s time to turn it over to a new group with new innovation and new creativity within the department.”
At Tuesday’s county commissioners’ meeting, Commissioner Mike Hewitt (R) recognized Shepherd’s service.
“I want to thank you for what you’ve done,” he said, moments before beginning a standing ovation. “This is 40 years of service to this county, and you’ve done an excellent job, sir.”
Hewitt also referenced Shepherd’s pink blazer.
“The only thing I’ll say is I’m not going to get a pink jacket like that,” he said, “because you are one of the few people who can wear it.”
Commissioner President Randy Guy (R) joked that maybe he would “take that pink jacket when I leave.”
From 1978 to 2011, Shepherd was a recreation coordinator, programmer and division manager. He returned to county government in 2017 as director of the county’s recreation and parks department.
Shepherd helped St. Mary’s achieve national accreditation in 2022. There are 192 nationally accredited recreation and parks departments in the U.S., including six in Maryland.
Shepherd said he is probably most proud of that because “it highlights our attention to quality programming, it also highlights our attention to residents’ and citizens’ needs.”
He also helped revitalize the gymnastics program and secure a new facility, oversaw Lexington Manor Passive Park and its community garden, replaced 11 playgrounds, installed seven Bermuda grass fields and six turf fields, installed three dog parks and opened the playground at Snow Hill Park.
He also said he was proud to resurrect Summerstock theater in 1986 following a 14-year hiatus, and “now here it is 38 years later still going strong.”
But he also acknowledged his staff.
“There’s that pride, dedication and attention to quality,” he said.
“This park is just one of the many beautiful projects he has spearheaded,” Guy said at the recent Snow Hill Park dedication. “Your visionary leadership has developed our parks, public landings and beaches to the highest standards, making them a top-notch destination for visitors and residents alike. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and lasting legacy you leave behind in St. Mary’s County.”
He may have left behind a legacy, but the jacket is going with him.
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