City Discusses Future, Possible Demolition of “Caretaker’s House” at Zindel Park

LOCK HAVEN – Built around 1929, the caretaker’s house at Zindel Park stands as a testament to time, the elements, and the reservoir above it.

“The guy who maintained the whole reservoir lived there, and I believe it was closed sometime during World War II,” local historian Lou Bernard told The Record.

The future of the caretaker’s house was briefly discussed at Monday evenings city council meeting.

“The house sustained damage from a wind storm last April where the value of the damage is greater than the value of the building,” City Manager Greg Wilson said. “We have been going back and forth with the insurance company about this and right now it would cost around $113,000 to replace the roof alone, but including part of the missing back corner which is now completely gone.”

Wilson also brought up an upcoming meeting with the Director of the Lumber Heritage Region regarding the city being considered for a feasibility study to revamp Zindel Park, including construction of a trailhead and a public restroom, where the “likely location would be where the current house is,” Wilson said.

The city is currently in the process of working with the city code office to find someone to demolish the house, but to keep as much of the original stone porch intact which could be a “good starting point” for the DCNR-funded public restroom facility.

“We are not settled with the insurance company yet, but the house is appraised at less than what is on the books currently as an asset value for the building,” Wilson added.