Bell's Amusement Park

[chadster]

^Yeah, IRM is still trying to sell things, funny how he wouldn't sell the bill tracy dark ride years ago to wild bill, maybe he's ready to reconsider. Doubtful anyone will ever buy the log flume, it's in bad shape and the mechanicals were sold off years ago, air compressors, etc. The logs would have great value to amusement parks with models of the same era. Zingo, well, I'd have to give up on it and try to sell the train. Problem is, it's not a desirable train so it sits at Larson.

 

He had painted the cars for the coaster, but I'm sure running gear parts broke the bank. The fund raising campaign gave him enough to move the stuff out of the downtown and bring the coaster to Tulsa, but 20k doesn't go far.

 

But if you want your coaster fix, the spinner at Incredible Pizza opened last weekend. Fun ride.

[Mertens S. Elias]

Heck. If they're still trying to sell off bits and things I wouldn't mind buying an old Big Eli Ferris Wheel seat from the original Ferris Wheel. Or even a Eyerly Spider Tub.

[chadster]

I think he kept all of the seats that survived after a storm destroyed the wheel.

 

I used to go every couple of weeks or so to check out the progress and the flea market, but with nothing moving since early this year and the flea market never having much of any value I gave up and had kinda forgotten about it.

 

I know what you mean about the flea market never really having anything of value, to me it's all knick knacks and junk, mostly junk and a social hour for those with permanent booths.

[Mertens S. Elias]

They did keep all the tubs that survived the tornado before Bell's closure, and I want one of them. Eli Bridge Ferris Wheels are probably one of my favorite amusement rides ever.

[Shavethewhales2]

All these years later, we finally have a solid sign of life: https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/family-buys-more-than-100-acres-in-broken-arrow-for-upcoming-amazing-venture

I have heard that several of Bell's previous attempts to get re-established were thrown off due to various factors such as investors pulling out, partners suddenly dying, and of course all kinds of issues acquiring land that would actually work for this project. Finally it seems the pieces have lined up. We'll see what they announce tomorrow. Probably won't be very large to start with, but even getting a small kid's park off the ground again would be awesome for the Tulsa area. 

[Shavethewhales2]

https://www.newson6.com/story/6183edfe8da4460be7fdb31b/bells-amusement-park-to-return-to-green-country

Here's the announcement. After 15 years of trying, they finally have land and a plan. Didn't hear when construction will start or how things will be phased, but I did hear these key details:

• Zingo is coming back, PLUS other coasters
• New waterpark, at least twice as big as Safari Joes (which tbf is quite small, but our only water park in Tulsa)
• Thrill park and kiddie park will be separate.
• Indoor area with electric go karts and virtual reality.
• Big thrill rides that they couldn't get away with at their old location. (possibly hinting at upcharge attractions like a booster or sky swing)

[sdcfan88]

Heres a little teaser/promo clip on their Facebook page.

https://fb.watch/94dWACzgJq/

Also in the press conference announcement they said they were going to preserve the landscape and trees as much as they could and incorporate the creek running thru the property into the park's attractions. So yeah lets hope they follow thru by not clear cutting all their trees unlike some parks as of late. (looking at you Dollywood)