Madison County Supervisors are deciding one barn’s future.
Earlier this month, Madison Parks and Recreation announced Hoover Ridge Park would be closed after the property’s large red barn was damaged due to snow. The barn, which was used to store equipment such as mowers and utility vehicles is a centenarian, having been on the property for at least 100 years. It can be seen in the background of photographs depicting President Herbert Hoover’s visit to the property in 1929.
County administrator Jonathon Weakley said seven inches of heavy snow affected the structure causing the roof to partially collapse on Jan. 7. He said thankfully there were no injuries, but there are structural issues that need to be evaluated. The county has filed with its insurance provider and an adjuster will be following up. The structure, Weakley said, is insured for approximately $80,000.
Weakley said the equipment in the barn has been removed and placed in the Carpenter Pavilion, which has been secured. Hoover Ridge was reopened Jan. 10, but the pavilion will remain closed. Fencing has been installed around the red barn which also remains closed.
“I’m just glad nobody got hurt,” Madison Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Carpenter said. “That’s the main thing. It’s kind of a shock. That thing has been through a lot of storms.”
Weakley said county staff will work to determine options for the barn’s future, whether that’s renovation or demolition. The issue will be discussed at next week’s board meeting. In the meantime, he noted while the barn is old, it has never been placed on any historic designation list.
