Bell's To Finally Get A New Roller Coaster

[sendoff]

quote:Originally posted by pmcalk

Will the bells toll for Bells?

http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStory.asp?ID=061022_Ne_A22_Willt65291

Even with the new roller coaster going in, the paper implies that the renewal of their lease is not certain.

One question--Mr. Bell states that Bell's financial trouble stems back to when the fairgrounds placed the rv parking lot in the NW corner.  I have no idea why that would affect Bells.  There was nothing there before; most people going to Bell's park on the south side.  I thought that was a very odd statement.

Bell's is now technically without a lease. And this letter makes it sound like this is it for Bell's (unless the letter is a negotiating ploy).

[sgrizzle]

Bells got themselves in this boat. Now there will be a cry to "save bells" and either Jenks or Tuls will ante up. This would be another great thing that could be put on the west bank near 21st.

[carltonplace]

According to the paper, Bells' lease will not be renewed as their busuness plan was apparently lacking. They have 120 days according to their lease agreement to remove all equipment and personal effects.

Lawyers, start your engines.

[sgrizzle]

Apparently Robbie is going on the edge (104.5) this morning to talk about his future plans.

I have no radio in my office so I won't know what he says.

[tulitlikeitis]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

Apparently Robbie is going on the edge (104.5) this morning to talk about his future plans.

I have no radio in my office so I won\'t know what he says.

BTW, power brokers are not concerned with what happens to Bell\'s

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by tulitlikeitis

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

Apparently Robbie is going on the edge (104.5) this morning to talk about his future plans.

I have no radio in my office so I won\'t know what he says.

BTW, power brokers are not concerned with what happens to Bell\'s

Power brokers don't spam local forums of cities they don't in.

[pmcalk]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

Bells got themselves in this boat. Now there will be a cry to "save bells" and either Jenks or Tuls will ante up. This would be another great thing that could be put on the west bank near 21st.

I think Bell's would be great on the west bank, but maybe not near 21st--I would really like to see something more urban, high density in that area.  Maybe around 41st?

I would hate to see Bell's disappear altogether, but I think a new location might benefit everyone.

[Sangria]

There were a lot of people who did not want the new roller coaster and now they get their wish.

There are a lot of people who did not like the noise from Bells and they will be glad it's gone too.

I just hope that what they replace Bells with is lucrative and brings in more money than renting it to Bells did. If it don't - Richard Bjorklund is going to look like a complete idiot.

Let the games begin. [}:)]

[RecycleMichael]

I am very impressed that the Fairgrounds is playing hardball with Bell's.

I believe the third generation just did not put the money back into the park that the father and grandfather did.

The park looks terrible. There is chipped paint on every ride and the golf course hasn't been open for years. It has also turned into a very dangerous place where the county deputies had to break up fights often.

I also see where they had paid less and less rent for the last few years. The rent is probably way below market for that prime real estate.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by Sangria

There were a lot of people who did not want the new roller coaster and now they get their wish.

There are a lot of people who did not like the noise from Bells and they will be glad it's gone too.

I just hope that what they replace Bells with is lucrative and brings in more money than renting it to Bells did. If it don't - Richard Bjorklund is going to look like a complete idiot.

Let the games begin. [}:)]

It will probably just be parking.

[PonderInc]

So Bell's will move to Jenks, where they will receive incredible financial incentives/economic assistance to build a terrific new amusement park that will draw visitors from around the area.

And we will get a parking lot.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by PonderInc

So Bell's will move to Jenks, where they will receive incredible financial incentives/economic assistance to build a terrific new amusement park that will draw visitors from around the area.

And we will get a parking lot.

Go team!

[pmcalk]

Obviously, we don't want a parking lot.  But what would be a good fit there?  A park?  Another hotel?  Any ideas?

Do you think next we could get Big Splash to clean up a bit?

[RecycleMichael]

Why would you assume the long range plan is for more parking?

The fairgrounds has done a great job in building and growing the last ten years. I would expect this to be a great opportunity for redevelopment.

The new buildings and park look so good, the run-down Bell's just had to fix up or leave. They gave Bell's plenty of opportunities and he just couldn't get his act together.

They reduced his rent again and again and just wanted a viable business plan that showed he was going to make it out of this neglect and dangerous death spiral. He couldn't and needs to go somewhere else.

I doubt there will be fabulous economic incentives for him elsewhere with his history. If there are, moving will be a great excuse to clean up his act.

[TheArtist]

I think he at least needs a business partner, someone whith some "fresh eyes" lol for the park. Because even if he was to move to the river or some where else I dont think he has the vision for the park or the ability to pull it off.  He says he just invested 700,000 in two new rides.  How much has he invested in fresh paint, landscaping, etc.?  The park has looked hideous for ages now and is certainly not up to modern standards.  Many of the new rides and some old ones are like ones you would see at a fair.  There doesnt seem to be any creativity for other entertainment options.

I remember going to Bells as a kid and Silver Dollar city. At one time Bells was much larger with more rides and entertainment options. They have gone in drastically opposite directions since then.

We have heard for years, make that decades, over and over, about getting the park themed or having a large new rollercoaster, but none of those things has come to pass.  I can see why the expo people may be sceptical about further promises and business plans. The argument with the neighbors about the new rollercoaster... goes straight to that creativity thing.  How many years did it take him to figure out he could build it in a different area of the park?  Thats just one exaple



The article says he paid 135,000 dollars to the expo last year and was the expos highest paying tenant. What are the other tenants?  135,000 dollars a year is a paltry sum for such a large area of land. How much do the horse barns pull on, the IPE building, the arena? You could build 25 apartment units (off in only one small segment of the parks land area) making 500 a month each and do better, as an example.  And still have plenty of land left over for other things (not saying they should build any apartments btw lol). But surely events and such do better as well. Is the waterpark (which looks much nicer) a tenant?  How much does it make and how many people utilize it each year in comparison to Bells? How much space does it take up in comparison as well?