Pickaway County, OH – March 24, 2025 – The Pickaway County Park District Board of Commissioners is excited to announce the appointment of Craig Sanders as its new Executive Director, effective March 24, 2025. Sanders succeeds Arista Hartzler, who recently resigned from the position to focus on her family. Hartzler served the Park District for six years, with the last year as Executive Director, and made notable contributions during her tenure.
During her time as Director, Hartzler was instrumental in securing key grants for the Park District, including a $2 million TAP Grant to refurbish a historic bridge on the Pickaway Trail and a $40,000 NatureWorks grant to install a restroom at Canal Park. Additionally, she was responsible for hiring the Park District’s first full-time education and outreach specialist to expand outdoor recreation programming.
Craig Sanders brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the Director of the O.O. McIntyre Park District in Gallia County for the past seven years. A graduate of Ohio Christian University, Sanders has a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing communities like Circleville and Pickaway County. In addition to his work in the park district, Sanders has held roles with the Gallipolis City Schools and the Gallia County Community Action Agency…