Craig Sanders Selected New Executive Director of Pickaway Park District

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(South Bloomfield) – The Pickaway County Park District Board of Commissioners has announced the appointment of Craig Sanders as its new Executive Director, effective March 24, 2025. Craig will be replacing Arista Hartzler, who recently resigned to stay home with her three children. Arista was with the Park District for 6 years and was promoted to the Director’s position in January of 2024.  Arista admirably served the District for the past six years and played a pivotal role in achieving significant milestones during her tenure.

In her year as Park District Director, Hartzler was instrumental in the Park District receiving a $2,000,000 TAP Grant to refurbish a historic bridge for use on several stream crossings on the Pickaway Trail, and a $40,000 Natureworks grant to put a restroom at Canal Park. She also was responsible for the hiring of the Park District’s first fulltime education and outreach specialist to enhance the District’s outdoor recreation programming. 

Sanders comes from the O.O. McIntyre Park District in Gallia County where he served for the last 7 years. He is a proud alumna of Ohio Christian University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005.  Craig brings a wealth of experience and dedication, and a deep understanding of getting things accomplished in a community like Circleville and Pickaway County. In addition to his work at the O.O. McIntyre Park District, Craig has worked in the Gallipolis City Schools and the Gallia County Community Action Agency. Craig is poised to continue the legacy of providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for the residents of Pickaway County.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director for the Pickaway County Park District,” said Sanders. “I am committed to building on the successes of my predecessors and leading the District towards new heights. Our focus will remain on enhancing outdoor experiences for the community, and I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated board and staff, community partners and the residents we serve.”

Sanders will be taking the first few months to get acclimated to his new role at the Park District and to get reacquainted with Circleville and Pickaway County.  He looks forward to assisting with some of the projects planned for 2025, such as getting a restroom installed at Canal Park and continuing the work at  Park District headquarters in preparation for the development of the county’s first nature center.  The District and its Board of Commissioners are enthusiastic about the future under Craig’s leadership and anticipate continued growth and success in serving the outdoor recreational needs of Pickaway County.

Pictured are Craig Sanders, his wife Jeni and their children JC, Sophia and Alex Sanders.