Committee reviews draft lease for Crittendon Cabin, expects reconstruction in 2026

Squire Taylor presented a draft lease and background on the Crittendon Cabin project, saying the Woodford County Historical Society will retain ownership of the cabin while leasing park land for its reconstruction. "The cabin has been disassembled out there and moved to the grounds of the county park, awaiting this approval and some other preparations to be able to start the rebuilding of the cabin in that location," Taylor said.

The county attorney and staff said the committee would not take action that night and encouraged due diligence on insurance and other lease details before any vote. The county attorney said, "In terms of the timing of the lease, we really need to enter into the lease when we know you all are ready to begin the rebuilding of the cabin." Both Taylor and the county attorney indicated an early 2026 start is most likely.

Staff and contractors reported progress on pre-fitting the structure inside a storage barn and noted some material issues, including powder/termite damage to some logs and the need to secure replacement logs. A parks director said the team was "rapidly coming together" and expected work posted on the grounds in early 2026, but that some reconstruction steps might await a lease and clarified insurance arrangements.

Committee members thanked the road department and named Beau Wilson for assistance dismantling and transporting the cabin to the park. The committee left the item for further review and said it will return the lease packet for consideration at a later meeting once missing materials (a map/image and finalized insurance details) are provided.