liftsifter

There are some overall holes in the story posted. The closure of SFKK was not sudden or even not recent in 2010. In 2007, SFKK failed to meet goals set by corporate and the park was slated not to reopen for the next season until Jay Thomas (the Park President at the time, he's now in corporate) stepped in and helped the park reach a financial target. As a consequence, though, the park could no longer afford to keep the Twisted Twins and Mile High Falls area open, and the area closed during the 2008 season. In June 2009, Six Flags, Inc. declared Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection, meaning that while under Chapter 11, with court approval, Six Flags could suspend, change or leave any contract, property lease and arrangements. In September, Six Flags announced Chang would be closed and removed to make room for Bonzai Beach a massive water park expansion which was slated to open in 2011 for the Six Flags 50th Anniversary. On February 4, 2010, without warning any employees, Six Flags announced that talks with the Fair Board had not been fruitful and Six Flags would officially request Bankruptcy Court approval to drop the agreement between the two organizations. It was later confirmed by the Fair Board that Six Flags wanted to receive a larger percentage of parking income in order to justify keeping the property in operation. In May 2010, Six Flags announced that the Bankruptcy Court had approved their plan to emerge from Bankruptcy, shaving almost 1.6 Billion in debt and cancelling the lease agreement with the Kentucky Fair Board being the two largest factors to the new Six Flags among the removal of Dan Snyder as President of the Board of Directors and the introduction of a new Board of Directors. Mark Shapiro would resign as CEO a few days later after disagreements in the direction of the company. During the Summer of 2010, Six Flags and the Fair Board reached an agreement to drop litigation over Chang and give Six Flags one attraction from the park in exchange for the property Six Flags owned adjacent to the fairgrounds as well as licensing rights to certain names. And the story of Ed Hart continued then.

Barlow Ridge: New Hope? Today, a number of people took a walk through the property where the true state of the property was known. Some buyers were intrigued, some disgusted and one particular buyer was impressed. This coaster operated as a "stand-up" attraction for ten years before the park closed in 2007. The property, which is now bank owned, holds much history. This church is over 135 years old. Attractions like this were spared when the owners received a notice of foreclosure. However, other attractions were quickly and hastily removed to be sold. This launched coaster was in the process of being removed before the plot was discovered. Some attractions on the property aged poorly and may never operate again. Some, may never have the chance.

Very cool! Is this going to be a recreation of the California Property or the Illinois property? There are some stark differences, surprisingly.

Barlow Ridge Amusement Park Midways were once filled with laughter and smiles at the shuttered Barlow Ridge Amusement Park, which operated from 1941 until 2007, when the property could no longer be sustained. Many historic sites on the property, such as this town hall from 1892, still remain on site. The property's old beautiful midway is overgrown and decrepit. This wooden coaster was added to the property in 2006 and is believed to have bankrupted the family operation. The entire property will either be liquidated or sold by the end of this year.

August 1978 GREENE, GA- After four years since the departure of Jay Anderson from Greene Hills Amusement Park, management is in a shambles. Attendance has dropped at the property nearly 50% and the park continues to lose money every month. Since 1974 the park has not changed at all, with no new additions and a poor economic climate holding the park back. The last major addition being the Corkscrew coaster, which was a record breaker at the time. In an effort to maintain attendance at the park, Anderson's management came up with a plan to add new additions that keep guests coming on a yearly basis, such as the Greene Amphitheater. The theater is the largest outdoor performance stage in the entire South and can seat more than 1,000 guests. The parks troubles this season began with the Village of Greene striping the park of their license to operate the park's second coaster, Diamondback. The village cited a weakened structure and poor maintenance with their decision. The Commissioner of Parks and Recreation stated, "We cannot sit back and allow this park to operate an attraction that puts guests at risk. We have a zero tolerance policy for unsafe structures." The park stated that they will evaluate the safety of the ride and make necessary changes. Park guests told us that they keep coming because the property is close to home and affordable, but would probably start making the trip to Austell, where the new Six Flags Over Georgia park continues to add new and exciting additions. The park management also released a statement saying that they will no longer be operating the extremely maintenance heavy water ride, Southern Splashdown. No word on a replacement or even if the ride will be removed. Keep up to date with this story which continues to unfold with the Greene Press Corporation.

Wow wow wow, slow it down! You'll be in the 2000's in a few days at this pace, you need to do at least two to three updates a season before progressing, and make sure that these additions coincide with the time period. Mega Loopers never showed up in the early 80's. '89 would have been a good season for it.

Changing Only nine months ago, we received word that a private investment firm bought the abandoned amusement park, Richmond Fields, and today we were invited back to the park to look at the progress they've made in rebuilding the property. The main entrance pond was filled and really brings out the beauty of this park. Lots of paint was used here in the Main Street. This green coaster is definitely looking stunning in this new coat of paint! I don't remember this attraction from when I originally visited the park before it was closed. Giant rock structures were added to this log flume, it now looks phenomenal! The ferris wheel was painted and looks better than ever! No changes over here... This coaster is looking magnificent with Red and Silver colors. The layout is crazy and will certainly entertain many! The turn-around over the river is absolutely stunning. A simply stunning coaster. Even rides that didn't need much paint, were still given a new coat. This coaster was given a new scheme, Blue and Yellow. "We've made a lot of progress on the small things, but now we need to step up and work hard on the big things like infrastructure and fixing what was wrong with the park from the start."

Perspective Hello- My name is Billy Tylers and I'm a local journalist in Richmond, VA. Lately, we've been getting reports of a potential buyer of the shuttered Richmond Fields Amusement Park, and I was sent on the scene to take a look at the state of the park, with special permission. The property is clearly not ready to take on guests at the moment. The majestic Carousel has damaged horses and carriages, it will need major refurbishments. Somehow, the beautiful Main Street has maintained it's beauty. Powerful technologically advanced rides now lay dormant and dirty. This ride has managed to remain in one piece. I believe this used to be called the Whirlpool, it will need a new coat of paint at the very least. Somehow this ride maintained a very dark tone of color. I decided not to enter the Tea Cups building under fear that it wasn't safe. This coaster was added only one year before the park closed up shop. Huge rides may be sitting here for quite a while longer. Someone has definitely been maintaining this old mall, as the glass is still intact. One of the downfalls of the park was the immense amount of space that is wasted. Old child areas are overgrown, including this reflection pond which will need refurbishments. Lots of the park looks to have potential. If only someone would realize it...

Maybe focus more on bringing a story and some buildings with quality then adding new rides. Trust me, I know it's really hard to wait, but it will pay off!

A Message from Jay Anderson Hello Everyone, I'm Jay Anderson, the man that founded Greene Hills Amusement Park. Just five years ago, I began the project with a close personal friend of mine, in which we sought to create a park that will create fond memories for guests. Today, I look upon our park with great pride and joy! The main entrance creates a warm and energized atmosphere. Park attractions set records in which other parks cannot beat. Attractions from opening day continue to delight guests. The park defied odds, taking humans upside down on a roller coaster for the first time. Great rides fill the park! We've built outstanding structures, and brands that will live on for many more years. We assure all attractions are safe and enjoyable for guests. Thunder Bobs is a personal favorite of mine. Tall attractions catch the eyes of many! State of the art technology joins fun and laughs amongst many. The park has grown to be a gem in the heart of Georgia! I'm happy to be leaving the park in good hands when I retire at the end of the month.

April 1974 We excited to tell everyone about our new additions for the 1974 season! We have some really great announcements to make! We're introducing the new Greene Amphitheater! With a higher capacity than any other theater in Georgia, we're prepared to take on guests at our first event, hosting the Rolling Stones! State of the art technology accompanies phenomenal performers in the amphitheater! We're expanding our Fast Feet Diner brand to two new locations in the amphitheater. Mark your calendars! MAY 1 is the Rolling Stones concert! Southern Splashdown has reopened after a large rehabilitation project! It seems like just yesterday we announced Corkscrew! Riptide is still exhilarating guests! "Wow!" is one expression used by many guests! Zipper is an all-time favorite flat ride of many! Thunder Bobs is back to thrill guests again for many years to come! Finally, we have our new restaurant, Crispy Joe's Fried Chicken! Delivering classic Southern comfort food! Hope to see you at the concert on May 1!

August 1973 Looks like things are getting exciting! A large area to work with! Today was a great day to walk around the property. Always nice to see a busy entrance plaza! Many forget that Parachute Drop is still the tallest ride in the park. The Carnival area will always attract guests! This photo will be very different next time!

July 1973 There was an awesome story about what we're working on for the future excitement of our guests in the local paper! Can you guess what it'll be? Lindsay is absolutely right! Will it be state of the art technology like Corkscrew, breaking all the records? Or will we expand our food product with a new restaurant or two? You'll find out very soon!

June 1973 Today, I sat down with our General Manager to discuss our plans for the upcoming season! There's something that all of our guests will be able to enjoy all season long! We're excited to let you know very soon! For now, I have some photos: Our Main Entrance is still as beautiful as day one! Corkscrew is a beautiful coaster! Lots of clearing is happening over here! Lobster Shanty is sadly a victim of this! Could it be a new wooden coaster? Have a great day!

^ Just a correction, Katy and Brandon looked at each other with a giggle, while she asked, "Do you guys want one?" Looks fishy.. Katy also mentioned she rode the Sky Screamer at SFDK on her last trip there.

1973 The entrance plaza looks far different with Corkscrew. A truly beautiful coaster. The Corkscrews have to be the best part. The coaster is visible from any point in the park. A close call! Around the park, there are brand new information booths. Southern Splash is closed until further notice. Guests await the Grand Carousel! Diamondback is still extremely popular! Have a great day!

1972 Thanks for your continued care for our park! We truly appreciate it! In fact, we appreciate it so much that we've decided to give you a little hint about our upcoming attraction! I think you know what we're talking about! The main entrance will have a MUCH different perspective come next season! Not only have we removed the Blue House theater, but also Georgian Twists AND Thunder Bobs! Georgian Twists is missing, indeed! Two weeks later, Twists are back to twisting guests! Thunder Bobs will be back next season in a new location. In 1973, will you climb a lift hill? Have a great day!

^ I understand the extreme similarities between my park and CD5's parks. But when you build a park in the 70's and in the ONLY style parks were built in at the time, for a REALISTIC park, there's no other option. Yes, I think everyone has been inspired by CD5, but you will see vast differences as the park progresses into the future with more choices. Thanks for the kind words! --- 1972 The season continues as we get get into the warmest months of the year, July and August! Southern Splashdown is open just in time for the warm months! Splash into the south on this phenomenal water flume! Or, Dip into the breeze of the cool Georgia air! Whatever you do, you're bound to have fun! You won't be able to have fun in the Blue House Theater any more, as we will be removing it for future expansion! Decals on the buildings began to be removed last week. And this week, the building is down to the foundation! Are you ready for MORE?

1972 With the '71 season behind us, it's time to open for 1972! In '72 we're introducing the new "Carnival" section of the park, where guests can experience FOUR new rides and attractions, and SIX new restaurants! Including a new expanded diner for classic dining! Diamondback will not let up it's guests! The coaster continues to thrill thousands of guests a day! Fast Feet Diner was upgraded and is now DOUBLE in size for your enjoyment! A bridge connects the both parts of the park! RING OF FIRE is an innovative new attraction that inverts guests 360 degrees! ROTOR offers a weightless experience! Dean's Parlor offers fantastic DEAN'S BRAND ice cream! Zipper takes families back to the days of the old fun fairs! The park finally has a classic carousel! An overview of the area and the park! More soon!

X-Flight at Six Flags Great America continues to be way more forceful than any B&M I've ever experienced.

Those are 100% the same supports, down to the small black connector. Well done.

I agree, too much is being put into SFMM, but there must be a fairly significant ROI if they're going to continue to do it.

^ You must have your head under a rock, at least a rock that encompasses SFMM! Six Flags hasn't been paying nearly as much attention to SFMM as people believe they do. This whole deal with them getting yearly major attractions is just the Six Flags business plan. In fact, SFMM was one of the smaller additions of 2012, with X-Flight being the highlight.

This is really disappointing. Six Flags sunk a LOT of money into rebuilding the park from Jazzland. At least as a mall, it can help create jobs.

The park has three wooden coasters.. I am sure they will not be adding a fourth any time soon. Either way, Viper is still better than anything that would compete with it.