CRESTLINE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The new director of the Crawford Park District has found his niche in nature.
Cole Potts, 36, took over the position in July. Now he’s settling into the management role and the education-based side of the job – leading nature programs for residents of all ages.
“It’s been good. I’ve been enjoying it to say the least,” said Potts, who succeeded Josh Dyer on July 1. “I’m really happy to be here. The community has been excellent to me so far.”
Potts, a native of New Concord, Ohio, was previously the manager of the Hocking College Nature Center and Robbins Crossing Historical Village in Nelsonville, Ohio. He said a co-worker there told him about the opening in Crawford County.
“An office manager at the college put my hat in the ring,” he said. “I was interested in the job because I had plateaued at Hocking College. There was only so much I could do there, so I applied, and they decided to hire me on.”
Ironically, Potts worked for several years in a totally different field – IT. When one of his best friends committed suicide, it prompted him to pursue a different career path. “It was a rough wake-up call to change my life, a silver lining.”
At age 30, he enrolled in Hocking College where he earned an associate degree in parks and museum education. In 2021, he graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in recreational management.
Potts now oversees the maintenance and development of six public parks and nature preserves in Crawford County, including the Lowe-Volk Nature Center. He also teaches a variety of programs, such as “Frozen Critters” in December.
A fan of animals, especially birds of prey, Potts said his long-term goal is to secure the necessary permits and funding to build an aviary in the park district. He also wants to get feedback from the community on other possible projects.
What pleases him the most, he said, is working with residents who are equally passionate about wildlife, nature, and conservation. “They’re always excited to come in these doors and I’m hoping to continue to foster that excitement.”