By John Dobberstein, Editor
Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon told city councilors Tuesday that developers of the property where Bell’s Amusement Park was looking to reopen are “looking to slow the process down” and are not close to submitting a development application with the city at this time.
It’s looking more likely that Santa Cruz Seaside Co. and president Karl Rice will be working with the city’s economic development team to conduct a full-blown market study on the property to determine the best use.
Spurgeon said that Rice reiterated the company’s interest in developing the 102 acres at Kenosha Street and the Creek Turnpike, but the developers want to identify the best possible use of the property.
It could be a mixed-use development, or an amusement park or possibly both, he said, adding that Robby Bell III and the family had alerted Rice’s firm about the property during the family’s search for a new park site.
A local engineering firm has been hired to work on infrastructure at the site. Spurgeon said there are ongoing discussions on how water service will be provided to the property as well.
Spurgeon said the developers have not provided any timetable for a decision on the property.
Santa Cruz Seaside Co. is based in Santa Cruz, Calif. and owns and operates the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and amusement park, as well as other commercial and residential properties in the area. Spurgeon said the company has experience developing mixed-use properties, including offices, hotels and shopping malls.
Touted the “Coney Island of the West,” the amusement park features more than 40 rides, restaurants, retail shops, arcades, miniature golf, bowling and conference and banquet facilities. The property is a State Historic Landmark, while its Looff Carousel (1911) and Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster (1924) are both National Historic Landmarks. In addition, some arcade games date back to 1910
The Canfield family, including chairman and president Charles Canfield, own the company. The Boardwalk celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007.
Last month, a neighborhood group called the “Community Watch Team” submitted petitions signed by more than 1,000 people who oppose the location of the amusement park in Broken Arrow, although many residents say they are all for Bell’s relocating here.
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