By Brandon Martin
Online bidding is currently underway on approximately 87 acres of land on Glory Road in Axton.
The property is currently owned by HopeTree Family Services, a nonprofit agency which previously used the property as an educational and recreational facility for at-risk youth.
Mark Early, director of communications for that agency, said foster children lived on the grounds when the camp was operational, and some even earned high school equivalent degrees while there. However, as the number of clients dwindled, he said the program became financially untenable.
“Although, we had to close that program, we do have a number of other foster care services available, and group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities,” Early said. “We welcome those interested in becoming foster parents.”
The former campground was appraised in 2017 at $1.65 million. The property includes seven tax parcels with a western boundary along Middle Creek. There are nine buildings on the land, including a bunk house, staff quarters/offices, gym, work shop, barn/stable, shed, and a concession stand. In addition, there is also an in-ground vinyl pool and Go-Kart track.
Linda Terry, a broker with Tranzon Fox, which is handling the sale, said there have been multiple bids on the property so far. A proactive marketing campaign also has resulted in additional bids currently being received.
According to Terry, those interested in purchasing the land have a variety of ideas on how to use it. She said that some potential buyers want it solely for family use, while others are considering using it for RV campsites or fishing and hunting. One bidder, from New England, plans to use the area for an athletic summer camp, she said.
“We anticipate them selling well below recent appraised values,” Terry said. “This is a unique opportunity to ‘name your price’ for one or both of the former summer camp properties.”
She added that the sellers are not “on a fishing expedition. They are planning on selling.”
Bidding in the online auction is set to close at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23.
