By John Dobberstein, Editor
The proposed return of Bell’s Amusement Park to Broken Arrow has generated a lot of debate both for and against the potential project.
But City Manager Michael Spurgeon said recently that a final decision about how the property will be developed hasn’t been made by the property owners – who have yet to submit a development application with the city.
Spurgeon is expected to have a virtual meeting later this month with Karl Rice, president of Santa Cruz Seaside Co., who is part of the ownership group that purchased the property.
Rice, who is the manager for the Bell’s project, is expected to go over his vision for what the property could become, but Spurgeon said Rice also wants to hear more about Broken Arrow and what the city needs.
It’s not impossible that the 102-acre property on E. Kenosha Street, just east of the Creek Turnpike, could be used for a mixed-use development that may, or may not, include an amusement park.
“While there is potential for amusement park to be there, they have not completely made that decision yet,” Spurgeon told city councilors this past week of the property owners. “They want to know what we believe Broken Arrow needs and share how their expertise in certain types of development could be beneficial. And they want to talk about what their vision is for that property.
“They believe it’s a good site and they’ve heard wonderful things about Broken Arrow.”
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.
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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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