After three and a half decades working for Loudoun County, Cynthia Welsh has decided to retire in order to spend more time with her family.
Welsh's 12-year-old son, Tanner, turned the pressure on her last summer.
"He said, 'I don't want you working anymore,'" said Welsh, who has served as director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services since 1991. "He helped me realize it's time for my family after 35 years."
It wasn't long before another son, 27-year-old Sean Welsh, claimed his mother's spare time. As girls basketball coach at Loudoun Valley High School, he soon had his mother keeping score at games.
He's "my new boss," Welsh laughs.
WELSH, a Hillsboro native who now lives in Purcellville, began her career with Loudoun County as a secretary in Dec. 1969. Gradually, she rose though the ranks of the Department of Parks and Recreation before acquiring the top spot after the retirement of long-time director James O. Stup 13 years ago.
Under her watch, the department established most of what current residents would recognize as the jewels of the county's park system: Claude Moore Park, Franklin Park and Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. The department also established Potomack Lakes Sportsplex and Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum.
For Welsh, the achievements she's most proud of are the ones that are most personal: the establishment of special recreation programs that integrate people with disabilities into regular recreational programs, and the Very Special Arts, which Welsh started 15 years ago.
"That's very dear to my heart," she said. Her daughter, Lauren, is a senior at Loudoun Valley High School and has developmental disabilities.
AS A DEPARTMENT leader, Welsh created an atmosphere that encouraged teamwork, something she'd like to see continue in her absence.
"It's not about a single staff person, it's about everybody," she said. "That's what allowed the staff to have so many successes, because they could have ownership and pride."
Diane Ryburn, who has worked under Welsh for the last 20 years, said she would miss Welsh's "appreciation of those who worked with her, not only staff, but volunteers," she said.
Ryburn is now acting director in Welsh's absence. The director's decision to retire caught some people off guard, she said.
"It was somewhat of a surprise," Ryburn said.
Welsh knows that the challenge facing Loudoun parks grows greater with each year.
"So much of county's open space is dwindling," she said. "It would be really great to see other parks like Banshee Reeks become in a reality in the county."
Welsh hopes the department will continue to push the Board of Supervisors for its support.
"Every year it's a struggle," she said. "Parks and Rec is not high ... when it comes to budget time."
Board Chairman Scott York (I-At large) expressed his appreciation for Welsh's years of service.
"We owe her a great debt of gratitude," he said. "It's hard to single out one thing out of all that has been done under her charge."
A new director will be named some time in the spring.