Wildwood Ranch, a 752-acre property on Mussey Grade Road, was sold to San Diego County for $6.55 million, Colliers International announced this week.
The land was previously owned by the Salvation Army, who acquired it in 1997. According to David Santistevan, senior vice president at Colliers Internation, the campground was being used as a camp for underprivileged kids. The Salvation Army attempted to modify the conditional use permit in order to upgrade the facilities, but Santistevan said they were denied by the county.
The Salvation Army has since moved their camps to Big Bear in San Bernardino County.
Santistevan said the purchase was "strategic" for the county.
"Wildwood Ranch is an important access point for the regional park (Boulder Oaks Park) to Mussey Grade Road and Ramona," Santistevan told Patch in an email.
According to Santistevan, the county is planning to expand upon the park in ways that will serve the community.
"The county plans to use the Boulder Oaks Park expansion as an equestrian staging area," Santistevan said.
The transaction was handled by Santistevan and Gunder Greager, both senior vice presidents of Colliers International.
The sale should close by the end of the week.
