Bell's Future Still Vague

The future of Bell's Amusement Park is still cloudy at best; owner Robby Bell met with Expo Square president Rick Bjorklund again Tuesday. It's the second meeting in less than a week, but neither

Tuesday, December 19th 2006, 10:36 am

By: News On 6

The future of Bell's Amusement Park is still cloudy at best; owner Robby Bell met with Expo Square president Rick Bjorklund again Tuesday. It's the second meeting in less than a week, but neither one will say what they have in mind.

News on 6 reporter Steve Berg spoke with both parties on Tuesday. Both men declined to do interviews on camera, Mr. Bjorklund just said that it was a good meeting and that they would move as quickly as possible.

At last report, it was still settled that Bell's is moving, but it's not clear when. Expo Square President Rick Bjorklund declined to give even a desired timetable.

The Bell's lease expired November 8th. According to that lease, Bell's only had 120 days to move. But owner Robby Bell reportedly would like more time, maybe until September.

Nearly all of Tulsa's surrounding suburbs have expressed an interest in being the next home for the amusement park. Bell said there are no leading contenders, although Tuesday he specifically mentioned Sand Springs and Owasso, saying he might hear something soon from Sand Springs.

We called the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, but the president was out of the office on vacation.

Negotiations between Bell's and Expo Square have appeared contentious at times. Mr. Bjorklund said Tuesday that things have been tough over the past couple of weeks and that, in his words, he and Bell have decided to play nice, and that they would move as expeditiously as possible. He also said though that he and Bell have agreed not to do any interviews for the time being.

Robby Bell says he doesn't know yet how much it will cost to move the entire amusement park, they're still working on those figures.