Ashton Wildwood Park house to be demolished after being used for training

Supervisors agreed with Jasper County Conservation that the house once used by staff at Ashton Wildwood Park in Mingo should be demolished. The structure had fallen into disrepair over the years, and officials came to consensus last week that it could host training for first responder agencies before it is destroyed.

Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation, said Park Officer Jerry Ratliff has since moved out of the house. After discussing the building’s future with conservation board members, it was determined it needs to be torn down. Van Zante said it is not in good shape and has old utilities.

“To make it in good shape, it would cost a lot,” Van Zante said. “It is our recommendation that the house be torn down.”

Supervisor Brandon Talsma said it did not make sense to invest money into the house, especially if the county is no longer requiring residency on parks. Van Zante said Ratliff drives to the park early in the morning and is there all day. He is also at the park at night, especially when the campgrounds are open.

“It sounds like, you know, you guys looked into possibly selling it, too, but then we’re running into the 10-acre rule with the county,” Talsma said. “And then do we really want to parcel that off and sell it right next to the county park? Or is there potential there of keeping that going forward down the road.”

In the future, the site could also be a good space for a cabin or campground.

Van Zante noted the sheriff’s office could use the house for training purposes, and it could even be used for fire department trainings. She and her board are hopeful the demolition will not cost too much, especially after law enforcement and local firefighters get through with the building.