Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Cody Miller has been selected as the next park manager at Chapman State Park. His first day in the role was Feb. 27. Miller - Chapman State Park

Cody Miller has been appointed the next manager of Chapman State Park.

This marks Miller’s first foray into the role.

But the new leader at Chapman brings a wealth of varied experience, working his way up to the post over a 15-year career.

His first day as park manager at Chapman was Feb. 27.

“We’re here for people to make memories,” Miller told the Times Observer. “If I can help that, improve the visitor experience, that’s my mission.”

A Carbon County native, Miller was first hired at Hickory Run State Park as a semi-skilled laborer when he was 17, working his way up to maintenance repair and then park maintenance supervisor. That role made him eligible for the park manager trainee program which paved the way for his work at Chapman.

“I’m the face of this park. (That’s) very meaningful to me,” he said. “I find it meaningful to improve the visit of the public.”

In addition to improving the visitation experience, Miller said other priorities are protecting the resources, building awareness and building recreational opportunities.

Arriving at the park just a month before trout season means he hit the ground running.

“We’re getting ready for the season,” he said, noting that the campground is open this weekend for trout opening day. “The staff is great. Everything is going well. We’re getting ready for increased visitation.

About 90,000 people visit the park annually.

Miller said he doesn’t foresee major changes for this upcoming season.

“There are a lot of volunteers coming this year,” he said, including a Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps youth group that will do some trail work.

Park staff will also “promote what our educator is doing” and “promote our facility, obviously, working with the community and staff to move forward and do what we need to do.”