MOUNT VERNON — Joy-riding vandals have recently made a mess of the Knox County Horse Park on Thayer Road, according to Claude Robertson, vice president of the popular equine establishment. Robertson said that a number of individuals in four-wheel-drive vehicles have been trespassing and doing criminal damage to parts of the park’s course, which is designed for racing horses, as in the park’s successful Cowboy Challenge events every summer.

Robertson said that Jeep Grand Cherokees, Ford pickup trucks and Chevy pickup trucks have been among the four-wheel-drive vehicles that have been seen damaging the park.

“They tore up our creek area that we had to cross,” Robertson said. “It’s now three times bigger than what it used to be.” Robertson said that he and others involved with the park have been camping out for the last three weeks to guard against the intruders, who have proven likely to show up at all hours of the day or night. To support the park, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has also stepped up the number of patrol cars passing nearby.

Robertson said that park volunteers have started building a fence around the park using old telephone poles and three-eighths-inch cable. The poles are coming from the replacement of old poles on Ohio 3/U.S. 36. Horse Park president Jake Wickline has approached the Knox County Commissioners seeking help to procure gates which can be installed at entrance and exit points.

Complaints have been filed with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and further information gathering is taking place, including video surveillance and eyewitness reports.