Park Directors and Camp Managers
These are two very different jobs. Park Directors are administrators, overseeing all operations of the public park known as Richfield Heritage Preserve and managing park staff. They answer to the governing board: Richfield Joint Recreation District RJRD) ON the other hand, Camp Managers lived onsite when the land was a Girl Scout Camp. During the first years, they were primarily handymen and safety advisors; with programs handled by troop leaders, event volunteers, and/ or council staff.
Both Directors and Managers have influence on the park way beyond that of their written job description.
Both Directors and Managers have influence on the park way beyond that of their written job description.
Park Director John Peipsny (August 2022 - present
John came to RHP with a strong Recreation Management background. Much of his career was within Brunswick's Parks & Rec Department, starting in 1997 as a recreation supervisor and working his way up to the Director of the department ( 2008- 2021). From there he went to Lorain County Parks to manage their Splash Zone Facility (September 2021 - May 2022). After a brief stint working as the Parks & Rec Director Of Cheltenham Township, PA, he returned to Ohio to a dual role. John worked partTechinically he was hired by the Village who provided the HR overhead. RJRD reimbursed the Village for the 20 hrs/ week he spent there. In spring of 2025, Village Mayor Mike Wheeler recalled John to a full time position there. Shortly afterwards, RJRD offered John a full time directorship at RHP, which he accepted.
John came to RHP with a strong Recreation Management background. Much of his career was within Brunswick's Parks & Rec Department, starting in 1997 as a recreation supervisor and working his way up to the Director of the department ( 2008- 2021). From there he went to Lorain County Parks to manage their Splash Zone Facility (September 2021 - May 2022). After a brief stint working as the Parks & Rec Director Of Cheltenham Township, PA, he returned to Ohio to a dual role. John worked partTechinically he was hired by the Village who provided the HR overhead. RJRD reimbursed the Village for the 20 hrs/ week he spent there. In spring of 2025, Village Mayor Mike Wheeler recalled John to a full time position there. Shortly afterwards, RJRD offered John a full time directorship at RHP, which he accepted.
Park Director David Green The first Park Director came with a strong background in Natural History. He moved on to Stark County Metroparks.
Camp managers
Stan Polo
Nick Silcak
NIck joined the effort to acquaint Richfield with the camp in 2014. He is pictured here (5th from the left) standing behind his former wife, Meg (with organge tote bag). September 14, 2024 open house volunteers
Jim Brigham
Dave Howard
Photo from a 1968 MillWheel
Peg Hanslick
Photo from a 1965 MillWheel
Bill Crossland was first hired to manage the new Camp Margaret Bates property, but then transferred to the new extension of Camp Julia Crowell later named "HIlaka". He lived in Coach House until the new caretaker house on Broadview Rd was constructed.
Arthur Swanson
Emil Isaksen
Crofoot
Henry Heiser. Worked for the Kirbys, continued on as first camp manager for Cleveland Girl Scouts 1937- c. 1940
Born in Germany in 1885, Henry came to America at the age of 12 or 13. He lived in various cities and farms in Michigan and Ohio, doing whatever work he could find. He was at times a farm hand, a tinsmith, an ice delivery man, and a railroad worker. He married MInnie Bohm in 1908 and together they had nine children. He began working as a caretaker for the KIrby farm in 1935 or 36, moving with Minnie and their two youngest children into the Oviatt house. He continued caretaking for the property even after it became a camp until around 1940. He bought his own land at 4155 High St in Richfield and built the house in which he lived for most of the rest of his life. His youngest daughter, Molly, had fond memories of living in the Oviatt House. She recalled that Mrs KIrby once gave her a doll. HIs youngest son, Bud, worked at the Nael Fruit Farm from 1940-1943. Information provided by Henry's granddaughter, Judy Heiser Heit. A series of photos of the camp were taken in 1938 by the Heiser family.
Still looking for information to fill in the gaps on any of the camp managers! Contact Lynn [email protected]