CRAWFORD PARK DISTRICT
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Lowe-Volk Park

2401 SR 598 Crestline, OH, 44827
Map/Directions
The 38 acres that comprise current day Lowe-Volk Park encompass a variety of ecosystems, including wooded riparian corridor, mixed deciduous/coniferous forest, wetland, and old field habitats.  The park lies on the southern edge of Leesville, village limits and 2 miles west of Crestline, Ohio.  Approximately 2 miles of trails meander through the park.  The Park is also handicapped accessible with a floating fishing dock and a boardwalk trail.  The Sandusky River starts its 130 mile journey to Sandusky Bay within the park.  As the hub of Park District activities, many programs take place, including school field trips and various public programs.

Delaware Indian Chief Wingenund had a camp ½ mile to the northeast of Lowe-Volk Park in the late 1700's.  The most famous historical event to take place in the area was the capture of Colonel William Crawford. Crawford led a force of Pennsylvanian and Kentuckian volunteers to "destroy with fire and sword" the Indian town of (Upper) Sandusky.  After fighting the "Battle of Sandusky", the army retreated.  During the retreat, Colonel Crawford became separated from the main body of soldiers. He was captured by Delaware Indians on June 7, 1782 near Leesville. Some historians place the capture site within the boundaries of present day Lowe-Volk Park, while others place the site just to the east or north of the park. Crawford was then taken to a site near the Delaware Indian village of Tymochtee in what is now Wyandot County and burned at the stake.

The first American settlers arrived in the area in 1817.  Reverend Robert Lee, Sr. organized the town of Leesburg, later changed to Leesville, in 1829. The Heckert and Rupp Stone Quarry quarried waverly sandstone in the park area from 1873 to 1908. The main quarry was located just east of the park and was flooded in 1908. The quarry lake became a popular local swimming hole in the 1900's.  Earl John Volk, acquired the current park area in 1925. Earl Volk was a butcher who used the area as pasture.  Earl's son, Lloyd Volk, began planting trees on the property in the 1940's and subsequently planted thousands of trees over the years. The 2/3 acre pond was dug as a borrow pit during construction of the current St. Rt. 598 bridge over the Sandusky River.  Many thanks to Lloyd Volk for his excellent stewardship of this land over the years, as well his generosity in donating the area to the Park District for the creation of Lowe-Volk Park.​
Picture
The headwaters of the Sandusky River

Become a Friend of the
​Crawford Park District!

Friends of the CPD is dedicated to helping the Crawford Park District achieve its goals of continuing nature conservation and education in Crawford County.  Financial contributions by our Friends members helped build the Lowe-Volk Nature Center, preserve over 300 acres of parks, support community nature programs and develop an Astronomy Club!  The groups we serve in our community include day cares, public & private schools, home-school groups, assisted living centers, 4-H and Scout clubs, civic clubs and more!  Crawford Park District oversees the care and continued development of 6 public parks and nature preserves in Crawford County.  We appreciate your continued support and welcome you as a Friend of the CPD!  Please click on the DONATE tab to give!  Thank you for your generosity!
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Crawford Park District
2401 SR 598
Crestline, OH 44827
419-683-9000
​
Business Hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 4:00pm 
​Sunday - 12:00pm - 4:00pm
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  • HOME
  • About
    • CPD Park Rules
    • Employment with the CPD
    • Stormwater Demo Site
    • Quarry book available
  • Parks
    • Heckert Nature Preserve
    • Daughmer Prairie Savannah State Nature Preserve >
      • Sandusky Headwaters Preserve
    • Lowe-Volk Park >
      • Nature Playscape
    • Sandusky Headwaters Preserve
    • Sandusky Wildlife Area
    • Sears Woods State Nature Preserve
    • Unger Park
  • Programs & Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Educator Resources
    • Junior Naturalist
    • Nature Camp
  • Conservation
    • Natural Resources >
      • Current Issues >
        • Emerald Ash Borer
        • Beech Leaf Disease
      • Surveying & Monitoring >
        • Bluebird Monitoring
        • Butterfly Monitoring
        • Citizen Science
      • Report a Land Concern
    • Flora & Fauna
    • Wildlife Emergency
  • Gallery
    • Animal Extravaganza 2023
    • Living History 2023
    • Mud Day 2023
    • Halloween Family Fun Night 2023
    • Daughmer Savannah Controlled Burn
    • Spring Wildflowers
    • Fall Color
    • Winter Scenes
  • Newsletters
  • Archives
    • Photo Archive
    • Newsletters