Bumpy Ride For Bell's Amusement Park Continues

The chairman of the company that operates midway rides during the Tulsa State Fair is denying rumors he wants to take over land currently occupied by the amusement park. <br/><br/>Murphy Brothers Chairman

Tuesday, November 28th 2006, 5:56 am

By: News On 6

The chairman of the company that operates midway rides during the Tulsa State Fair is denying rumors he wants to take over land currently occupied by the amusement park.

Murphy Brothers Chairman Jerry Murphy says he wants to concentrate on providing equipment for major fairs in the US, not enlarging his midway space. But Robby Bell is questioning Murphy's sincerity.

Bell says when Murphy negotiated a new 10-year contract; he made sure a clause gave him the right of first refusal to use Bell's property if the amusement park's lease was not renewed. Murphy says he did not ask for the clause to be in the contract.

A member of the fair board says "he" wanted the clause to ensure the fair had proper ride capacity. The amusement park's lease expired November 8th.

The Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority has told Bell, that he has until March to leave.

Bell has met with officials of surrounding communities about possibly moving the park. He has meetings planned with Broken Arrow and Vinita this week.