Franklin Co. Health Officer Orders Off-Road Vehicle Park To Close

There is no timeline when Haspin Acres will be allowed to reopen.

Photo by Haspin Acres.

(Franklin Co., Ind.) - The Franklin County Public Health Officer has issued a closure order for the popular off-road vehicle park, Haspin Acres. 

On Saturday, Franklin County Health Officer Doctor Darrell Brimhall, secured an order to close the park. 

After several days of researching legal precedent and current case law to ensure legal standards were met, officials followed regulations in securing this order. 

Franklin County Commissioner Tom Linkel spoke with Haspin Acres via telephone asking for cooperation in placing voluntary restrictions to the park.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department received many complaints regarding backed up traffic in the proximity of the park.

In accordance with executive Order 20-08, Dr. Brimhall found at least the following reasons to close Haspin Acres:

1. Haspin Acres constitutes a prohibited place of outdoor public amusement (Executive Order 20-08 paragraph 5).
2. Haspin Acres constitutes a public gathering when it is open for business and allows ten (10) or more people to congregate on its premises (Executive Order 20-08 paragraph 5).

There is no timeline when Haspin Acres will be allowed to reopen.

Deputies spent hours clearing traffic and informing visitors on the importance of following their state’s “Stay-at-Home” orders.

At this time, no charges have been filed. 

Park officials could face a class B misdemeanor if found violating the Health Officer's order. 

If convicted, class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.