SELLERSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) -- Speed Park in Sellersburg is on the market, leaving neighbors to wonder what could happen to the popular green space. At more than 100 years old, it may not remain a park for much longer, but city officials said any development on the site would be tricky.
The nearly 8-acre park is for sale after being purchased by Heidelberg Materials and Cement, which operates US 31 from the park. The town of Sellersburg had the land appraised at $342,000. Heidelberg is now selling it for $410,000.
It's technically in county limits, but Clark County has no parks and recreation department.
"(A company) showed interest in buying this property, had it appraised, and then we found out that, unfortunately, this isn't within the Sellersburg town limits," said Brad Amos, president of the Sellersburg Town Council. "So that made it kind of a big void for what we had moving forward."
What used to be a vibrant park that hosted art shows and events has become neglected. Playground equipment is broken, trash bins are overflowing, and graffiti covers portions of the building.
"I am heartbroken," said Vandalla Winn, who visited the park Monday. "I have been coming here since I was a little kid. My daughter has been coming here for as long as she's been alive. My mom has been coming here since she was a little kid."
Town officials said when it comes to development, anything requiring sewer installation will be tough. The town did a wastewater treatment expansion, but additional development outside town limits can't be supported by the current system.
"I would just hate to see it no longer be a playground," Winn said. "I would hate to see another apartment complex pop up where kids have fun."
Heidelberg Materials hasn't responded to a request for an update on the status of the sale.
Related Stories:
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
