Hocking Correctional Facility Overview

Hocking Correctional Facility was a medium-security prison located in Nelsonville, Ohio. Built in 1952 as a sanatorium, it later became a prison in 1982, primarily housing older, geriatric male inmates. The facility closed in March 2018 due to high operating costs and was subsequently repurposed as a day-treatment center and a female jail. Before its closure, Hocking Correctional Facility was known for providing specialized care for its aging prison population.

 

Hocking Correctional Facility

Contact Information for Hocking Correctional Facility

While Hocking Correctional Facility has been closed since 2018, for historical inquiries or information about its repurposing, you may contact:

  • Address: 16759 Snake Hollow Rd, Nelsonville, OH 45764
  • Phone: (740) 753-1917 (former number, check local directories for updates)
  • Email: Not available (contact Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for further details)

Hocking Correctional Facility Visiting Information

Since Hocking Correctional Facility is no longer operational as a prison, visiting procedures are no longer applicable. However, during its operation, visits followed standard Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction guidelines. Inmates were allowed regular visits, typically lasting up to two hours, with strict security checks. Visitors were required to provide valid identification, and personal items were restricted.

 

How to Book a Visit at Hocking Correctional Facility

When Hocking Correctional Facility was open, visits were scheduled through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s online portal or by calling the facility directly. Visitors had to provide the inmate’s full name and ID number and were limited to a small number of guests per visit. Booking a visit typically required at least 48 hours of advance notice.

 

Directions and Parking at Hocking Correctional Facility

Hocking Correctional Facility was located just north of Nelsonville, Ohio, in a rural area. The exact address is 16759 Snake Hollow Road, Nelsonville, OH. Visitors arriving by car had access to limited on-site parking. Public transport options were minimal, so driving was generally the most convenient way to reach the facility.

 

What Life Was Like at Hocking Correctional Facility

For inmates, Hocking Correctional Facility was unique in Ohio due to its focus on the elderly population. Many inmates faced health challenges, so the facility provided healthcare support and programs tailored to aging prisoners. The prison’s closure in 2018 was largely due to its high operational costs, especially related to medical care for its older inmates. As of recent updates, the facility has been repurposed into a treatment center for misdemeanor offenders and will also house female inmates in the future.

 

Famous Prisoners at Hocking Correctional Facility

One notable former inmate was Salt Walther, a racecar driver known for his participation in the USAC and CART series. Walther gained national attention after suffering severe injuries in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500.

 

FAQs About Hocking Correctional Facility

  • What was the purpose of Hocking Correctional Facility? Hocking Correctional Facility primarily housed elderly, male inmates who required specialized healthcare services.

  • When did Hocking Correctional Facility close? The facility closed in March 2018 due to budget cuts and the high cost of caring for its aging inmate population.

  • Where was Hocking Correctional Facility located? Hocking Correctional Facility was located at 16759 Snake Hollow Road, Nelsonville, Ohio.

  • Can I still visit Hocking Correctional Facility? No, the facility has been closed since 2018 and has been repurposed for other uses.

  • What is Hocking Correctional Facility now? The former prison is being converted into a day-treatment center for misdemeanor offenders and a female jail.

  • What type of inmates were housed at Hocking Correctional Facility? The prison primarily housed older, geriatric male inmates.

  • Why was Hocking Correctional Facility closed? It was closed due to budget constraints, with the cost of operations being significantly higher than other Ohio prisons.

  • How many inmates did Hocking Correctional Facility hold? At its peak, the facility housed over 430 inmates.

  • What was the daily cost per inmate at Hocking Correctional Facility? The daily cost per inmate was reported to be approximately $80.94 in 2007.

  • Is Hocking Correctional Facility being renovated? Yes, the facility is being renovated for use as a day-treatment center and a female jail.

Conclusion

Hocking Correctional Facility served Ohio’s geriatric prison population before its closure in 2018. Though no longer a prison, its legacy continues as it transitions into a new role in the state’s correctional system. This evolution highlights the changing needs of Ohio’s criminal justice system, particularly for vulnerable populations.

For more information about the repurposing of Hocking Correctional Facility, you can visit the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction website.

Visit Hillsboro Correctional Facility