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Posted at 6:00 PM EST (2300 GMT)  Nov. 9th, 2006 -- The lease for Bell's Amusement Park, a feature of the Tulsa County Fairgrounds since 1951, expired yesterday. The park leases 10 acres from the fairgrounds, with the rent dependant on how much money the park brings in.
The decision on whether to renew the lease is up to Rick Bjorklund, CEO of Expo Square. However, in a letter sent to park owner Robbie Bell, Bjorklund reminded Bell that under the terms of the lease all elements of the park must be removed within 120 days, prompting speculation that a lease renewal is unlikely. Bell isn't ready to close up yet. The park recently received permission to build a new wooden coaster from The Gravity Group, scheduled to open in 2008. Two new rides are also scheduled for the next season. See KOTV 6 for more.
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raser
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2039
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You would think any good buisness owner would sure up the lease before agreeing on building a new coaster...
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| 11/9/2006 6:17 PM |
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SuperSteve
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 192
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^Yeah...
I can't believe this is happening. Arg, I feel so mad. They better pull through this, I can't imagine the Expo/Tulsa community losing a gem like this.
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| 11/9/2006 7:12 PM |
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Zingoman
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1298
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This park will never get a break. It drives me nuts. I almost think they need to move to Jenks. They have been asked to relocate to Jenks, but they don't have the means to take Zingo with them if they do. It is such a rough situation for them. Grrr.
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| 11/9/2006 10:00 PM |
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Wes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10941
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They just got approval for a new coaster in 08, so I'm sure they will negotiate a new contract soon.
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| 11/10/2006 9:42 AM |
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ravenrider
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50
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Atleast if Robbie hasn't sold the property his dad bought in Broken Arrow or Jenks he could still move. His dad for a long time looked at moving to BA. Everthing was to move even Zingo at one time.
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| 11/10/2006 12:46 PM |
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bk2004
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7729
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The park is only 10 acres?
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| 11/10/2006 3:43 PM |
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Zingoman
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1298
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Ya. It's a tiny little bitty blip on the map. It seems a little larger than that, but not much.
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| 11/10/2006 7:18 PM |
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Mrceagle
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1913
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I think moving is a good option right now. don't wait to install 2 more flats and a major wood coaster then loose a lease again. it just leaves too much open. Moving to an property they can get a very long turn lease on or even own would be a better move. Use the money for those 2 new rides towards movie Zinga and them bring in the new GCI coaster in 2008.
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| 11/10/2006 7:59 PM |
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Mrceagle
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1913
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Seems they might have a chance to stay. The County will have an independent accountant look over the books to see if the park can continue to make them money.
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| 11/15/2006 10:33 PM |
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SuperSteve
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 192
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Yeah, but I'm still worried, I mean, the accountants could be biased, or stupid.
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| 11/15/2006 11:01 PM |
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