Volleyball Players Speak Out About Helmerich Park Lawsuit

The Oklahoma Supreme Court decided Monday that a lawsuit over Helmerich Park will go forward in district court.

The dispute whether the City can sell park land for development is over. The decision made Monday makes it more likely the case will go to trial.

Monday is one of the slow nights for volleyball at Helmerich Park.

More than 750 players use the courts, but it could be the last season there.

The land has been sold, but the closing is held up by a lawsuit.

Related Story: Helmerich Park Lawsuit, Trial To Be Handled In District Court

“We would love to know either way so we can plan accordingly,” said volleyball player Clint Ross.

Ross is ready for it all to be over. He would be fine with a development and better courts elsewhere.

We love this place; it's our home,” he said. “But, there a few of us who would love to have good sand, lights, indoor plumbing, what a concept. I've been playing a lot in Oklahoma City and they have all that and it's wonderful to play on.”

The city wants to close the deal soon so the developer can start building.

Monday the mayor said:

"Since taking office last December, I have sought to resolve this long and drawn out issue in the best interest of all Tulsans. There are important legal issues that need to be settled, and today's ruling means we will have to wait a while longer for the judicial process to work through them. The most important thing is that we get it right."

The continued delays mean the players still have their courts.

"It's already a park, lots bikers go by and lots of players come here,” said Matt Gomez. “I'd hate to see it go.”

Gomez has been playing a Helmerich for more than 20 years.

“I would think it should be preserved as a park first and only moved if something terrible happens,” he added. “We're running out of park space, but not shopping mall space, I don't believe.”

The next step could be a trial or another try at mediation which didn't work before.

The group suing said they're ready for a trial and are confident they have the winning argument.