The Kentucky Kingdom Saga

[gl2007]

Alright ya’ll, time for my first thread :). I want to know what you think the best year for the park was and why. This could be pre or post Six Flags.

For me, I’d have to pick 2007 (before the shiz hit the fan). We got the new water park makeover the super awesome Deluge. STO:P was still open, along with Chang, Rainbow, and the rest of Northwest Territory. Various buildings were re-painted, new signs were added along with new shading, and the park seemed really clean and well kept. There was just a sense in the air that things were finally going right for the park. It’s amazing how all that can change in two years.:(

[cory]

I say 2003 was the best year. Becuase the park was doing great and thats when we got greezed lighting and it was before all the stuff happen with the hellivator.

[Austin]

2007. For the same reason GL said.

[Vic]

1997... Chang was brand new... the park was at an all time high.... during the week we would do anywhere from 7,000 to 15,000 guest a day and on the weekend it was normal thing to do 20,000 to 25,000 guests... Day 5 Alive was thriving... Hellevator and T2 were still fairly new and exciting.. Thrill Park Theater was new and helping people get over Starchaser fairly well! RoboCop!

Representatives from Paramount and Premiere Parks were at the park looking to purchase it... the park was on the rise.. it was great!

[Austin]

I loved robocop lol.

[rcfreak339]

Most definitely 2007, Northwest was running well, Chang just got revamped, new shows, waterpark revamp....Sigh, I miss those days....

[elvisboogens]

1991-1994. Vampire, Starchaser, Thunder Run, The Ranger. 4 of my very favorite rides of all time in one park. My first 3 roller coasters, in that order. Plus the first ride I ever went upside down on (The Ranger).

Not my first amusement park, but my first real ride experiences were during these years at the park.

[Midgetman82]

Just to tell you, I made a you tube video long ago about Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. It is an interactive map in which when you click on a ride, it will show you a video of that ride.
Lm23UP6SULM

[Austin]

Thats great :) i was thinking about making something like this a while back but i forgot to do it lol. Nice job

[nitrofan]

That's pretty cool! I never would have thought to do that.

The Greezed Lightnin' video was made by Jonrev, a member of the site. That's pretty ironic.

[elvisboogens]

I like. I noticed on the version of this on youtube, you can click on Blluebeard's Bounty, but then it says the video had been removed by the user. I assume that you recognized that, which is why you can't click on it in the video above?

No matter, it's still pretty cool.

[nitrofan]

^Same for the Blizzard River video. I didn't watch all of them so there may be others too.

It was still a cool feature.

[Austin]

Same for T2 also. I can find you a good T2 video prolly

[bobbinbop20]

The Greezed Lightnin' video was made by Jonrev, a member of the site. That's pretty ironic.

Actually it was made by me, haha unless it was changed

[Austin]

Lol you both have GL videos

[bobbinbop20]

ok, hahah that makes sense

[Austin]

Lol yeah. I think you both made some good POVs of it

[sccard01]

http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/topic.php?uid=72576961538&topic=34361

[hardie1010]

Is this just temporary (until they find a new deal) or permanant?

[Austin]

Damn it. I feel so let down now. Almost as comparable to when disney closed down VMK 2 years ago. I Guess until theres more word on this ill keep the six flags theme but damn.

[hardie1010]

Dang. ummmmm...... You can change this to a fan site about Beech Bend or HW, since the're in the area. Guess this means no Bonzai Beach.

[Changsucks]

Wait, what?

[hardie1010]

IDK, it happened so sudden. It doesn't even sound like they're going to pull an Elitch Gardens and just relocate the park but this sucks.

[nitrofan]

Is this just temporary (until they find a new deal) or permanant?

The Six Flags Website says that the rides will be moved to other parks. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like the park has a chance anymore.

[Austin]

Actually there is a postive side of things. Ed hart could buy the park. He tried in the fall after chang so he could try and stop ride removal.

[hardie1010]

Actually there is a postive side of things. Ed hart could buy the park. He tried in the fall after chang so he could try and stop ride removal.

BTW, how old is Ed Hart, kinda sounds like a 50's name or something?

[Austin]

He actually bought the park 2 years after the park first opened and went into banktruptcy and established them as a household name int he region in the 90's then was bought out by premier parks.

[Changsucks]

Dang. ummmmm...... You can change this to a fan site about HW

I'm cool with that! :)

But wow, I don't know what to say. No warning or rumors or anything...we're talking about ways for the park to improve...and now it's just closed...

I almost feel like this is fake or something.

[bobbinbop20]

yeah, they didn´t even say anything about the waterpark expansion, so I guess thats not happening?

[nitrofan]

I almost feel like this is fake or something.

Me too! I checked the Six Flags site before I actually believed it and started posting it on other sites.

[hardie1010]

I know he was the prvious owner but there really isn't much info about except for that. He did a nice job building up the park. I hope he steps in on this.

[Austin]

I feel like someone I was really close to just died. ugh -.- I had such huge plans for the site to.

[Changsucks]

I feel like someone I was really close to just died. ugh -.- I had such huge plans for the site to.

Seriously, just change the park! I'd hate to see the site go too!

[nitrofan]

Seriously, just change the park! I'd hate to see the site go too!

There has been talk in the past about us becoming a general theme park site. I would guess that is what will happen if Tiger decides to keep the site.

[Austin]

Well it wont go anywhere until at least july which is when i have to pay for my next full year of hosting.

Anything at all im thinking about HW, KI, DW, Disney world or if ed hart buys the park, keeping it the same except the domain since id have to drop sf.

[hardie1010]

Seriously, just change the park! I'd hate to see the site go too!

Except now, Remove everything Six Flags related. Astroworld was bad, This has been horrible, I really don't want to see anything SF related for a long time.

NewsPlusNotes pointed out an interesting point (probably not true), that SF could be doing this to get the leasing price they want since, like every city, they don't want to lose an amusement park

I was possible going there on April 24th for my birthday, but Big Corporations (*cough Six Flags *cough) find ways to screw up, all the time.

[Austin]

It wasnt six flags fault. Its the fair grounds. The park deserved a part of the parking sales. they are the ones who generate a majority of their revenue.

More info:


Bankrupt theme park operator Six Flags announced Thursday it will walk away from its lease for Kentucky Kingdom and close the park.

The company said it had tried to negotiate a new lease with the Kentucky State Fair Board, but its proposals were not accepted.

The company said it plans to move the rides to one of its other parks.

“The substantial lease payment has been a significant hurdle for this park in recent years,” Mark Shapiro, Six Flags CEO, said in a prepared statement.

Even as the company announced its plans to close the park, a spokesman for Mayor Jerry Abramson said there is still a possibility a new lease could be worked out.

“We’re very hopeful that a new lease can be negotiated and that we can keep Kentucky Kingdom and its jobs in the city,” said Chris Poynter, a spokesman for Abramson.

heres the article: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100204/BUSINESS/2040358/Six-Flags-to-close-Kentucky-Kingdom

[Vic]

Ed Hart is probably in his late 50's early 60's now...

[Asa]

i say this is a PR stunt to get the board of the fairgrounds to give in.

[hardie1010]

i say this is a PR stunt to get the board of the fairgrounds to give in. Hopefully that OR I likre Ed Hart buying the park back a little better, but thats my opinion. According to Six Flags, opinions don't matter.

[cory]

OMG i cant believe it.

[Austin]

For those wondering about SFKKOnline ill have a answer on our future tomorrow. Got alot on my mind tonight to sort out at school. Trust me on this, we will not end the site. I paid over 300 dollars out of my own pocket and im not letting it go to waste.

[Asa]

For those wondering about SFKKOnline ill have a answer on our future tomorrow. Got alot on my mind tonight to sort out at school. Trust me on this, we will not end the site. I paid over 300 dollars out of my own pocket and im not letting it go to waste.

my vote is to keep it until your lease is up on the site and then start a general theme park site.

[Austin]

Our hosting for a year is 70 dollars so its easy to afford but I may have to put google ads to generate some money to keep it up until things settle down and the park's future is determined.

I really dont know what we will do now. If the park can get a new deal, we're staying the same. If ed hart buys it, minor changes. Other then that I have no idea what's going to happen.

[cory]

Well no matter if Kentucky Kingdom closes or not im still supporting the site i love this site. Also where you hear about Ed Hart trying to buy.

[Austin]

Hes been trying to buy it because he thinks six flags has been trying to destroy it. In reality they havent been, the KEC has.

[cory]

http://www.wlky.com/news/22468433/detail.html Read this. I hope he buys it.

[hardie1010]

Something does seem a bit fishy here, The way that it was all of the sudden, and the way that the article that cory put out made it sound very much like SF was having a temper tantrum about their lease deal and wanted a better deal, Even if that means faking an amusement park death.

Personally, I'd like to see Ed Hart buy it back, but move it to the 265-65 (south side) intersection with more room to work with, and it will be closer to me :).

[Austin]

Hmm... Well to put this in perspective, if i was the KEC id be shittin my pants right now.

They possibly just ruined the city's economy which has been relatively stable through this recession. They just lost their main source of revenue. To top it off, the metro govt is now in the war and apparently siding with the park.

I think a new deal in the next month or maybe weeks isnt out of the question.

Also this seems sort of odd to. When you fire a massive amount of employees dont you think they would be told a day or a week in advance? I mean its odd how they did that.

[cory]

I like Six Flags but it seems they knew this was going to happen. They gave chang to another SF park and Bonzai Beach was coming in 2011, Now leaving us with nothing. Its like they took chang and left on purpose. But its really the fair grounds fought that just a thought.

[coasterkid495]

I am just shocked.

[hardie1010]

I am just shocked.

Don't worry, everybody is :(.

[Austin]

Im sick of this. Thank god i have a ps3 and MW2 in it to get my mind off of stuff and calm down and kill ppl lol. Man what a way to relieve stress, kill ppl on a game. Ironic lol.

[nitrofan]

Im sick of this. Thank god i have a ps3 and MW2 in it to get my mind off of stuff and calm down and kill ppl lol. Man what a way to relieve stress, kill ppl on a game. Ironic lol.

Post of the year! lol

[cory]

The way they talked on screamscapes twitter were closed for good.

[sccard01]

It seems as if Six Flags is just trying to close the park. KFEC really doesn't know whats going on. So I think that Mark is just using that as a excuse

[cory]

Yeah i know on the news they said that Six Flags never told KEC they were leasing the park they knew it because the media Six Flags never told them.

[Jp]

Sad news indeed!!:(

Since the park did Kentucky State Fair there. Will it still be there or relocated?

I think you should keep the site and just change the title to say Kentucky Kingdom 1987 - 2009 like this Click here (http://sixflagshouston.com/)! An have fourms like Here (http://sixflagshouston.com/forums/).

[elvisboogens]

Ladies and gentlemen,

Here's kinda my take on this whole thing, the whole discussion.

1.None of us wanted to admit it, we all wanted to belive the best. But really, didn't we all realize something was SERIOUSLY wrong when Chang came down? The answer is YES all realized that. None of us believed that this shit would go down, but we all knew something was off.

2.I'm actually extremely impressed by how well this secret remained concealed without someone leaking it. Not pleased, but impressed. We all know there are a lot of loose lips around Six Flags.

3.So much for the job fair. I was thinking of going just because I think it sounded fun. It's weird to be talking job fair on facebook with a park employee at 2 on a Thursday only to be followed by hearing that there will be no park about 6 hours later. WTF man.

4.I'm really sad about Thunder Run. They aren't gonna tear it down, it's gonna sit there and rot for about 5 years just like the Twins. It doesn't deserve that. I eblieve the Greezed Lightnin could find a home at Beech Bend, per the speculation a few months ago that we all ignored. Roadrunner express could easily find a home too, and T2 is scrap metal. But Thunder Run is going to rot.

5.I was just out there about 8 days ago and waterpark construction was happening. So something has to give, obviously they need to decide something about the waterpark stuff since they now have a half built new section to either finish or abandon. I'm pretty confident that the waterpark will be completed for State Fair purposes if nothing else. I think realistically though at this point in time, nobody would benefit from rescuing the park as a whole, nobody. A few months ago maybe, but not now. $$$. If they wanted to spend it we wouldn't be having this discussion at all.

6.My personal thought? Keep this website the SFKK website. This is now and will continue be the best single park site I can think of. We're the closest thing to friends and family an amusement park can have I think. We can change the focus, but I think it should remain a SFKK site. It ain't broke. Don't fix it.

7.I want the Chang sign if it's still over there by the dumpster.

That's about it for now. If I have more thoughts I'll post them later.

This sucks.

6.

[Austin]

Really though I have one question. The park never officially fired staff. Which is what I understood. Plus like elvis said, they start construction, they had a job fair planned, many events planned and a ACE event in the fall. Then it was closed overnight. I believe realistically its for publicity to get a new deal which they deserve.

[cory]

I dont know but i think the its over for real because there trying to find places for the rides and the mayor side it aint in his hands it in the six flags bankrupt judges hands. I don want everybody to know this did happen before, But the bad thing was last time it hapenned the economy was not bad now. I am not going to lie this is depressing. I really hope they come up with a agreement and it will be open next season.

[Austin]

Where did the mayor say that? He said he expressed hope that a new deal would be reached and they were working to get one according to the CJ. Also the Ky governor Steve beshear is now talking about it and is expressing hope it will be worked out.

[cory]

It said that on the video on wlky.com where it talks about the closing.

[Austin]

In reality look to the future. It has the potential to do better then six flags allowed it and alot of people could be interested in buying it. When they are done if they get into negotiations with someone interested in buying it we could be left with a ride or 2 plus the woodens. And the park is pre-landscaped and has alot of land and buildings on it so whoever eventually buys it will end up with a park with most of the construction done. Im now starting to look at it like it the park's reset button was just pushed.

Also the emergency plan for SFKKOnline will be out soon. Internal talks are going on at this point.

[cory]

Hopefully they report on the news that Ed Hart is making comments about it and is interested in buying it.

[Austin]

He said its not good for louisville today in the paper.

[cory]

Oh really hopefully he buys it. Read this i found it on my twitter. http://www.wfpl.org/2010/02/05/abramson-says-six-flags-deal-out-of-city-and-state-hands/

[Austin]

Yeah i read that about 10 minutes ago. But he still can help negotiate a deal.

[cory]

Yeah but a Six Flags spokesman said it aint opening its a done deal.

[Austin]

they have until april 9. btw the Emergency plan is up. for those who havent read it its here: http://sfkkonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439

[sccard01]

On t.v. The KFEC said if Six Flags leaves, they will have to pay 2.2 million dollers. Also the KFEC said that they're not going to let Six Flags take a single ride outside of the park!

[palmer]

Damn. I'm speechless.

[Cody Comet]

I'm not sure how likely this would be with Dollywood kinda close, but if the Mayor wants to find a new operator for the park, then he should probably check into Herschend. I think they'd probably be able to polish the gem that is Kentucky Kingdom, even if they can only get the waterpark. And they're one of the only theme park companies that would be potentially interested that could afford it.

[Jp]

I am still suprise about this!!:eek:

[hardie1010]

I found something...Rather odd on SFKK's facebook page. On the same day, At 9am they posted "The job fair is in 2 weeks. Make sure to RSVP!". Then at 3pm they stated about the park closing. In a half a day, they go from waiting to Hire hundreds of employees to Boarding up and leaving town. ;( This is just depression and sad and any other adjective that relates to those.

[Jp]

^ That the wird part about this!!

[sccard01]

No one knew at all about the closing of the park. The only people that knew was the Main MAIN people of the park.

[Mike]

I'm going to be real with you guys,the park is closing and this isn't anything like a publicity stunt.This is Kentucky Fair's fault.There term's of lease was horrible.They wanted 1.1 million dollars annually plus they take the parking money from the park.So when you think about it,there is not a lot of room for profit,so don't blame Shapiro for wanting to get the hell out of there.

sccard01,Six Flags is still in bankruptcy protection and they left the park before the end of the court and the negotiations to get rid of debt,so they won't have to pay that money,court will discard that "payment" to KFEC.Also Six Flags will be able to take some rides out,they won't be able to stop them taking some ride's out.

In the end,blame KFEC.If they were smart they wouldn't have turned down Six Flags offer for KFEC to get a chunk of the revenue instead of the million plus the parking fee money.

Sorry to be the downer,but that's just how it is guys.

[sccard01]

KFEC said that the park and them was still in negotiations about the lease. The KFEC also stated they never gave Six Flags an Answer and Six Flags Inc really hasn't been in contact with them .

[Austin]

Just recieved an anonymous tip:

Just as an FYI, the chances are very, very high an announcement will be made that the park will either close or operate without the Six Flags name, but most likely close. As a part of the bankruptcy, all leases had to be reviewed and the lease between SFKK & KFEC was deemed undesirable & thus terminated. Both sides had 30 days to work out a deal, and that is up on Monday. Reading between some lines, it appears likely that no deal will be made & they are now negotiating exit terms. This is the same bankruptcy clause which caused the SF offices in New York City to move.

So who knows now. Maybe it will end up like Great Escape. Part of the chain but without Six Flags in the name. Make of it what you will though

[Mike]

KFEC said that the park and them was still in negotiations about the lease. The KFEC also stated they never gave Six Flags an Answer and Six Flags Inc really hasn't been in contact with them .
They can say that all they want,but we all know Six Flags want's out of Kentucky.

[Austin]

I think this symbolizes it all:

http://i45.tinypic.com/2ekjdq9.jpg

[sccard01]

They can say that all they want,but we all know Six Flags want's out of Kentucky.

so how is this different from SFNO?

[hardie1010]

so how is this different from SFNO?

It's turning exactly like SFNO. except of a devastating hurricane as an excuse, they took the lease prices to blame. Hopefully, they don't start taking rides that they're not allowed to take out (like what they did with the Drop towers at SFNO is now at Great Escape).

[sccard01]

I just founded out SFNO had been leasing there property as well, wow

[SFA Regular]

I just heard about the news. From what rumors and numerous sources are telling me, is that Six Flags Inc wants to close the park as a whole and relocate everything to another Six Flags park.

Can someone give me feed back. I'm sad to see another park closing.

[nitrofan]

I just heard about the news. From what rumors and numerous sources are telling me, is that Six Flags Inc wants to close the park as a whole and relocate everything to another Six Flags park.

Can someone give me feed back. I'm sad to see another park closing.

Six Flags has 30 days to take anything that they put in the park. They actually started taking stuff yesterday, the entrance sign is already down. The thing is, Six Flags is probably going to try to take stuff they didn't put in, and they will probably get away with it.

[Austin]

Maybe not though. This time there is no disaster like there was in SFNO. They were focusing on recovering from Katrina but this is different, they're going to be watched closely.

[cory]

Well were fine as long as six flags dont take all the rides. Because somebody is going to buy it. Hopefully before the summer. I am really hoping ed hart buys it.

[DejaVu2001]

I don't see Six Flags taking all of the rides. Coaster-wise, the only 2 I think they'd be interested in are Road Runner Express and Roller Skater. Wooden Coasters would be too hard to move. I don't see SF having any use for Greezed Lightning, since back in 2005, they chose not to relocate AstroWorld's Greezed Lightnin'. As for flats, I can think of a few parks that could use them, but no one seems to be quite sure which rides are owned by who.

[Austin]

Well i believe that most of the rides on the main part of the park are not able to be removed since they were there before the park came in. But SkyCoaster, RoadRunner, Greezed Lightning, Rio train and some of the kids area can be taken out. On the newer section, Deluge, Mega Wedgie, Tornado and blizzard river can be taken. So pretty much alot of the park will be left.

[hardie1010]

I don't see Six Flags taking all of the rides. Coaster-wise, the only 2 I think they'd be interested in are Road Runner Express and Roller Skater. Wooden Coasters would be too hard to move. I don't see SF having any use for Greezed Lightning, since back in 2005, they chose not to relocate AstroWorld's Greezed Lightnin'. As for flats, I can think of a few parks that could use them, but no one seems to be quite sure which rides are owned by who.

Rides built before 1998 are KFEC and after are Six Flags. Or thats how I understand it. But if that is the case, they can't take out roller skater since it was added in 1994.

[Austin]

Later on tonight ill get a list of rides that the park can and cant take based on year they were built.

[cory]

I found this video on youtube this the good old days when Ed Hart owned the park. You noticed most the rides in this video has been gone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DHwkK3-fcs

[Changsucks]

The park looks really nice there. :( Sad to see what its turned in to...

[SFA Regular]

I agree, I was very shocked when I saw that happened on Superman: Tower of Power. I'm not one to stop going to a park for an accident because I'm a thrill ride fanatic and I will always go. But then again, Six Flags wants to remove things from the park and there is no word on who will be your next owner. Will your owner me a good one or decide to buy it, sell it and then leave it to dust.

I'm a huge idea thinker, and I have just had this thought on my mind of moving most of the rides to this park to my home park Six Flags America. No word on if we will be receiving Chang, nor have I been keeping any tabs on where it is. Maybe one of you can tell me if parts of it are still there or completely gone from the park?

Over all, I hope the next owner of SFKK is a good one.

[hardie1010]

At 5:49 in the video, that's how the parking lot is going to look from now on. :(

[Austin]

Its at SFGAm right now. I remember that year.

[Changsucks]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHjbPj-Gapc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHjbPj-Gapc

What I took while at the park. It was taken with my camera so the quality is horrible, but I made it for memories.

[DejaVu2001]

No word on if we will be receiving Chang, nor have I been keeping any tabs on where it is. Maybe one of you can tell me if parts of it are still there or completely gone from the park?

I have no idea where Chang is right now. All that is confirmed to be at SFGAm is one support which appears to have been damaged, and the station stairs. Nothing else has been seen in either parking lot. I'm sure there could be some small parts around, but I don't know where the rest of the supports or track is, theres no way they could hide an entire B&M

[nitrofan]

I'm a huge idea thinker, and I have just had this thought on my mind of moving most of the rides to this park to my home park Six Flags America. No word on if we will be receiving Chang, nor have I been keeping any tabs on where it is. Maybe one of you can tell me if parts of it are still there or completely gone from the park?

All of the track is gone from SFKK, but all that has been found so far is a stair case. It could be anywhere, we just don't know where it is.

[SFA Regular]

I'm so sad to see this happening. First Superman: Tower of Power, then Chang, and now this.

[SFNE Expert]

I have to express my sorrow for all you guys who SFKK is their home park. I would be devastated to hear SFNE was going to be closed forever. But you guys have other parks to go to that are near there, albeit it may be a long driving distance.

But think on the bright side. Six Flags is coming out of bankruptcy and not having to pay the leasing fee for SFKK is going to make it easier to come out of. Also the other parks will be able to get some of your rides. Which is also good.

Again, I am sorry for the loss of SFKK. I have been looking at pictures and it looks like it was/is a beautiful park with some good theming. I never realized that it had some decent theming for being a SF park. I would love to get Road Runner express. The station/queue theming looks awesome.

The loss of this park is a gain for all the other parks. Who knows, maybe someone else will buy it and make it even better, which is what you guys have been speculating. Six Flags just wanted to get rid of this weight on their shoulders.

[cory]

Interesting news! I watch the news and their saying that they dont even know who owns the rides. If you ask me ed hart does. How about if they never owned chang then could we get it back but idk tho it seems some would of been bring up before they took it down. They talk about it on the video on whas 11.
Also look in the video how poeple is walking in the video. http://www.whas11.com/video/featured-videos/Six-Flags-Kentucky-Kingdom-closing-83680767.html

[cory]

On whas 11 it mentioned that they dont even know who owns the rides at Kentucky Kingdom. Which means that the rides that was there before Six Flags bought the park could still be owned by Ed Hart. I am not sure about this but i decided to post a thread about it. What about if Six Flags dont own Chang? It talks about it in this video http://www.whas11.com/video/featured-videos/Six-Flags-Kentucky-Kingdom-closing-83680767.html Its talks about it around the 2:30 time on the video.

[nitrofan]

If Six Flags didn't own Chang,someone would have said something by now. Every ride that Six Flags put in, they own and they can take it out.

[cory]

They didn't bring in chang Ed Hart did.

[nitrofan]

They didn't bring in chang Ed Hart did.

Still, Chang is gone. It's been 3 months since it left, it's not coming back.

[cory]

Well if we owned it then its still Kentucky Kingdoms and we should be able to take it back.

[nitrofan]

Well if we owned it then its still Kentucky Kingdoms and we should be able to take it back.

So you want the rides to just sit there and rot instead of being put to good use at another park???

[cory]

Yea i want them to sit there because they will still be used for the state fair and somebody is going to buy the park but if theres no rides there then they wont. Thats why i want them to stay. Because it will take two years to get rides back in, But if we keep the rides Ed hart bring in then whoever buys it will only have two add a couple of rides and reopen. Kentucky Kingdom open back up our mayor done put it for sale, Unless they put another Theme park somewhere else in louisville. Its going to open up because it creates jobs and is a big factor of Louisville economy.

[Austin]

Chang was built on the un-leased ground. The park was leasing the main part(entrance section) so most of the rides are on leased land but sadly Chang wasnt. I can see if I can find out more though.

[nitrofan]

Why do you guys want Chang back so badly? The park is closed, and the economy of the country is a mess. Unless we get a smaller company or an investor to try to reopen a park, Kentucky Kingdom is over. Just because all the buildings are there doesn't mean someone is magically going to come buy it. If the lease payments were too high for Six Flags, they're definately going to be too high for a small investor or company.

[SFNE Expert]

Have you guys posted a list of available rides that SF can take?

[Austin]

I didnt get around to that since i had to leave. Ill post it tonight before the game.

[Austin]

But nitro, me and vic were talking on facebook and he brought up an interesting idea. What if the KFEC took control of the park for the time being until a permanent operator was found. It makes sense, the KFEC owns that land, its already a fairground attraction for the fair and it would be profitable since they wouldnt have to pay lease. All that money they would get would be able to then placed in their cash fund and then used to build the new amphitheater that they have been pursuing for the last few years. Plus they have one other major project to do. They have rebuilt ever expo wing and built a new one even but the west wing (closest to the park entrance) is about 50 years old, it doesnt provide a nice expo site and needs a renovation. They could also use that money to rebuild it bigger and better and make the whole expo center up-to-date and make the park look nice by getting rid of the old 50's design and replacing it with a new modern sleek looking design.

Its really a good temporary plan for the time being since they would still benefit from parking sales, and now would benefit from ticket sales, merchandise and food sales. That would all out weigh the operating costs. Once the recession comes to an end it wouldnt be long before they could find a new operator or have a new owner by 2011.

Edit: I'm just saying they could use the money on the expo center because you get those amenties up-to-date which will bring more people in which more people means more guests to the Louisville area and to the park. But they could even put rides in also instead of all profit going to building the new things they want.

[Austin]

This is a list based on when they opened and who owned the park when they were built:

KEC:

Enterprise
Thrill Park Theater
Himalaya
Tin Lizzies - disputable since the ride was modified to accomodate GL
Bluebeards Bounty
Bumper Cars
Breakdance
Hooks Lagoon
T2
Thunder Run
Roller Skater
Mt Slide Hai - all slides
Lazy River
Wave pool -obviously lol. Id like to see them take it.
Mile High Falls
Around the world in 80 Days
Yosemite Sams Flight School
Bigfoot
Bugs Bunny Merry go round - dont know the name but i know it was bugs bunny
Daffy Ducks all stars - again dont know the name
The Giant Wheel
Tweety's swings? - dont know the name but it was a tweety themed swing ride.
Great Race - currently in storage at the park so i wouldnt doubt the park take it since its taken down already
Zeppelins


Six Flags:

Greezed Lightnin
Road Runner
Skycoaster
Tornado
Mega Wedgie
Rio Grande
Deluge
Speedway
Sylvester and Tweety's Pounce and Bounce
Acme Fun Factory
Twisted Twins
Penguins Blizzard River

[nitrofan]

Haha, If Six Flags can take the wave pool and lazy river, I think they deserve to keep it!

[Austin]

Lol yeah.

[DejaVu2001]

Tin Lizzies being modified I don't think would change anything since only the track was modified, although it wouldn't suprise me if SF took the cars.

Of the rides SF is allowed to take, Twisted Twins and Penguin's Blizzard River would be extremely difficult to relocate, although I'm sure SF will take the rafts from Blizzard River. Greezed Lightnin' would be easy to relocate, but I doubt SF is interested in doing so.

[Austin]

I figured they would attempt to take the rafts but I dont know why. They suck lol. What park wants a load of rafts that dont drain properly?

Btw Giant Wheel is a permanent addition. Six flags will have to get vekoma's permission to take it since it is a leased ride.

[cory]

I dont know why KFEC just wont operate it anyways it will be better cause they own the land and they will make more money. Because nobody wants to buy it because the rent and because the parking.

[cory]

Because its a signiture coaster, Or we could sale chang for alot of money and use the money to get new rides.

[Austin]

Well im sure if they got a good operator they could work out the details on the rent to significantly lower or even give an offer to buy the land after so many years.

They could really turn it into a resort of some sorts you know. Expo Center, Waterpark, Amuesement Park, Hotels close around. All the pieces are there, it just needs to be expanded.

[DejaVu2001]

Actually, SF may leave Blizzard River's rafts. SFKK is the only park that uses that type of raft, so no other park would have a use for them

[Vic]

The majority of Blizzard River came from Opryland when it closed.... so it can be moved.. if they really wanted to lol

[Austin]

They dont necessarily have to though lol.

[SFNE Expert]

They will definetily use the amazing theming it has on it. I bet it will come to SFNE since they have the same theme going on. Just ours never got the name Penguin added to it, even though theres penguins all over it.

I want Mega Wedgie at SFNE too. It looks fun. Whats the name of the bowl slide?

[nitrofan]

I want Mega Wedgie at SFNE too. It looks fun. Whats the name of the bowl slide?

Mege Wedgie is the name of the bowl slide.

[Changsucks]

Wow, Six Flags owns a lot less than I thought. Really it seems like the only major ride (besides water rides) that we will see return realistically is Roadrunner...but then again, nothing makes sense since Six Flags took Chang...

[gl2007]

I think Six Flags may have worked out some kind of deal for Chang, but i might be wrong.

[cory]

Well i read the article on screamscape and Kentucky Kingdom owns all the rides. They had a agreement on chang saying to take chang for the waterpark, But since we aint getting the waterpark expansion means we could get it back.

[gl2007]

I was right:

http://www.whas11.com/news/local/Whats-next-for-Six-Flags-Fair-Pres-says-rides-might-not-be-going-anywhere-83772172.html

[SFNE Expert]

Nitrofan:

No...Mega Wedgie is the half pipe slide.

Well i read the article on screamscape and Kentucky Kingdom owns all the rides. They had a agreement on chang saying to take chang for the waterpark, But since we aint getting the waterpark expansion means we could get it back.
Cory don't believe everything you read on ScreamScape. What was posted on the first page is right.

[Austin]

The fairgrounds owns the rides according the lease. Which is good. I actually dont mind the company now since they didnt quit ont he park to use it for the rides for 2011. Like i said this is looking more like the fair grounds will operate it.

[Cody Comet]

Did you all see on Screamscape where it is speculated that the terms of the lease may not allow anything at all to be taken b/c despite who owns the land, they say the Fair Board technically owns all the rides.

Heres the link to the story from Screamscape: http://www.whas11.com/news/local/Whats-next-for-Six-Flags-Fair-Pres-says-rides-might-not-be-going-anywhere-83772172.html.

[Austin]

After finding out they werent going to be able to remove anything other then there supplies which is kind of sad because they spent quite a bit from what it looks for this year and all the infrastructure (which is the only thing they can take it seems). But this is making it look more and more like the fair grounds will operate it and they have plenty of time to get a business owner to run it by the start of 2010 season.

While I disliked them because it seemed they were going to take rides, I can now see that it was a smart move for them. They get out of spending 1.5 million a year on lease and operating costs for the park. Which will significantly improve their balance sheet next year. I'm hoping they do eventually end up in the black again because while shapiro lied and etc he can really turn the chain into serious competition to Cedar Fair. Once they got a good deal of profits and it seems they are on a fast track of solving their problems quicker then Cedar Fair also.

[SFNE Expert]

Six Flags is still going to find a way to get the rides. THEY BOUGHT THEM! Thats what makes me mad. They paid for the rides.

[sccard01]

Kentucky Kingdom rides are staying
http://www.whas11.com/news/business/Whats-next-for-Six-Flags-Fair-Pres-says-rides-might-not-be-going-anywhere-83772172.html

[DejaVu2001]

I still think SF would be able to take rides they built. If SF signed a lease agreement that made rides they built and paid for property of the Fair Board, then SF fails at life.

[Austin]

Lol yeah but hopefully they cant i dont want to damage the parks future. Even with losing 12 rides we still have a good possibility of re-opening with someone new but with all the rides it seems like its a really good chance.

[SFNE Expert]

Thats just what the fair board is saying. Its up to the bankruptcy judge.

[sccard01]

^
^
What rides did Six Flags Build?

Ed hart invested from 1990-2000

Only ride the was added was greezed lighting from another park and 3 water slides and sky coaster!

[sccard01]

No! whats up to the bankruptcy judge is that if Six Flags have enough money, the will run the park, but if not, they will just leave the park!

What the fairbord is saying is that If Six Flags do leave (hopefully), the rides will have to stay in the KFEC no matter what.

[DejaVu2001]

^ Road Runner Express (Mauer Sohne Wild Mouse)

Not much, but still

[sccard01]

ed hart invested that, Six Flags theme the ride. He promised a 10 year investment plan in 1990.

[Austin]

But they still had to approve the plan and build it so its technically their ride. The park actually only built 12 rides at the park.

[sccard01]

what rides where they?

[Austin]

I have a list actually its the thread: what rides Six flags owns in the kentucky kingdom discussion section.

actually i forgot the name but this is the link: http://sfkkonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448

[sccard01]

Road Runner, Blizzard River, and TT was invested by Ed as well.

Rio Grande Was added sometime in the mid 90s, It was located right infront of t2 years back.

The Acme Fun Factory was really just an rebuilt playground attraction ( I wouldn't considered this a ride but attraction)

Im, really not worried about the smaller attraction, But under the Six Flags name we haven't seen anything MAJOR NEW in the last decade.

[Austin]

If they can they'll take the small rides. Great race is already down so its prolly going to get sneaked out. Maybe zeppelin to but who knows. I hope if they can, theyll take skycoaster and rio grande. two rides that waste space and can really be put to better use.

[sccard01]

Sky coaster is one of Kentucky Kingdom best attractions, If you ride it, you would want to ride it over and over again! Its a huge thrill! and not a waste. The Rio Grande is just at a wrong place in the park.

[Austin]

But its in a prime coaster location.

[cory]

On the news it said Six Flags will make their decision on Thursday if there staying or leaving Kentucky Kingdom. There most likely leaving.

[sccard01]

no, The city is making a decision to continue operating Kentucky Kingdom

[Vic]

Is there link to either of these stories or just more rumors? Thanks.

Nevermind i seen the video on wave3.com... the metro council met with harold workman today to try and work something out. They mentioned the possibility of a private investor.. so who knows? It seems they are still fighting over who owns the rides... this could get ugly!

[cory]

I think that the KFEC might just go on and accept what Six Flags offered them because it will affect the city if Kentucky Kingdom shuts down.

[cory]

Okay thanks. I just hope the park is open this year because i was looking forward to going. If Six Flags dont reject the park and they struck a deal our park will have a very bright future. I just dont want Six Flags and KFEC to argue on who owns the rides cause then Six flags will really close us down.

[Austin]

I do not want six flags as our operator anymore. We're just bad for the chain period. I want the chain to be successful but theyre holding back our potential because theyre in debt and cant afford big rides so they get waterpark rides since they can be cheaper. I hope either the city, the KFEC, or a Private Investor operates it.

But I'm pretty excited looking at the fight thats going to go down. Can we get this on ESPN for fight night :P

This is from 4:52 yesterday:

Six Flags officially files motion in bankruptcy court not to accept lease

Louisville, Ky. (WHAS11) - Six Flags has officially filed the motion in bankruptcy court not to accept the current lease from the Kentucky State Fair Board.


Last week, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom officials announced the park was closing and said again Monday that the decision is final.


Although the fair board contends that any affixed rides belong to Kentucky, Six Flags says it plans to relocate several of the rides and attractions to other parks.

[nitrofan]

I found a link to this article posted on Theme Park Review:

After Thursday night's bombshell from Six Flags that it is closing its Kentucky Kingdom theme park at the Fairgrounds, there are no signs of any reversal of that decision.

A state fair board spokeswoman says she is not aware of any contact or changes.

So what's next?

Six Flags has said it plans to "move expeditiously to re-locate several of the more than 40 rides and attractions to other markets.”
But we checked the lease which indicates that those rides are property of Kentucky.

Harold Workman, Ky. Fair Board President, said, “Six Flags removed the Chang rollercoaster ride. They requested they able to remove it through me they requested that under the pretense that they were going to expand the water park and after showing me diagrams and pictures of what they were going to expand and what they were going to add and so on. So, we're a little disappointed in the fact they removed a ride but never really moved on expanding the water park.”

He said that at that point, the way the lease is worded makes it sounds like Chang could have belonged to the Fair Board because it is affixed to the ground.

Workman says Six Flags wanted to pay no rent for nine years remaining on the lease. The offer also included a share of profits, if there was any.


http://www.whas11.com/news/business/Whats-next-for-Six-Flags-Fair-Pres-says-rides-might-not-be-going-anywhere-83772172.html

So Six Flags scammed the fair board into allowing them to keep Chang?

[cory]

They sure did but there is not nothing the Fair Board can do about it.

[Austin]

Must have been deemed the only ride worth sending somewhere.

[cory]

Thats probaly the only reason they bought Kentucky Kingdom out because chang lol. They scammed Kentucky Fair Board big time.

[sccard01]

I just realize something! I feel so dum.

KFEC own 38 acres of the park (The whole front side, the water park, thunder run, gaint wheel)


SixFlags own 20 acres of the park (TT, maybe Mile High Falls, and Chang and T2 and Blizard River)


The red lines shows what the KFEC owns.
http://www.pvalouky.org/propertyinfo/detail.php?lrsn=152174

[Austin]

That red line shows six flags. But they need to sell the land and move out.

[cory]

So now were going to loose that part of Kentucky Kingdom.

[sccard01]

no! Look again and do the Math 38+20=58

The KFEC owns 38 Acres

Six Flags owns 20 Acres

And the park sat on 58 Acres all together

The red line is showing what the KFEC owns, I first thought they owned the whole Southside of the park meaning the giant wheel, The water park, thunder run, the roller skater, and flying dutchman but they dont!

There really isnt any flats in the red line but possible the Zipplin Ride

[Austin]

They wont take T2 tho so it'll stay.

[sccard01]

Idk, It's outside the line, Six Flags is already installing one over seas.

[nitrofan]

Idk, It's outside the line, Six Flags is already installing one over seas.

I never thought about that. If T2 is owned by Six Flags, then they may just sell it to the owners of their new park in Nigeria...

[gl2007]

I don't think they will want T2 just for the fact that it is a prototype, and as shocking as it sounds its maintenance is more than Greezed Lightnin'. You never know though...

[nitrofan]

I don't think they will want T2 just for the fact that it is a prototype, and as shocking as it sounds its maintenance is more than Greezed Lightnin'. You never know though...

It may be appreciated more in Nigeria though. Look what they did with TDK at SFNE, everyone hated it at SFGAdv and SFGAm, so they sent the clone that was planned for SFNE to Mexico where it would be appreciated more.

[gl2007]

True, but if i'm not mistaken I don't think Six Flags is paying to have the rides put in over seas.

[nitrofan]

True, but if i'm not mistaken I don't think Six Flags is paying to have the rides put in over seas.

I was under that impression too. I was thinking that they may ask the owners of the park if they want a cheap SLC and if they don't, they can just dump it. It would work out well for everyone if they wanted T2, Six Flags makes money off a ride they didn't pay for and the Nigerians get a cheap coaster. It was just a thought.

[Austin]

They are only doing the planning of the over seas parks which are pretty much going to die. They're being built in dubai which is now over its head in debt and its in the sand. Personally Im happy to see a giant theme park building but its stupid when you look at it.

[gl2007]

I guess. I don't really see the economic value in doing it..but that is just me. I was never really a particular fan of T2 anyways.

[sccard01]

Me either, it isnt a real thrill anyways. It's a fan of many of my friends just because how they say it... they like it when your legs dangle lol

[palmer]

Actually, the Nigerians would probably get good use out of that. People out there have never rode coasters like El Toro, X2, Top Thrill Dragster, Kingda Ka, Maverick, etc. They have coasters that aren't that big. Yeah they have a couple big coasters here and there, but from rcdb.com, it says that there is only 36 coaster in Africa. That is horrible. California might have more coasters than that. With T2, it may not be a big step up or change in statistics, but can lead to possible improvements. This might get Africa to build, or recieve new coasters, such as T2

[gl2007]

I think T2 could have alot of potential, it just needs some tlc.

[nitrofan]

Actually, the Nigerians would probably get good use out of that. People out there have never rode coasters like El Toro, X2, Top Thrill Dragster, Kingda Ka, Maverick, etc. They have coasters that aren't that big. Yeah they have a couple big coasters here and there, but from rcdb.com, it says that there is only 36 coaster in Africa. That is horrible. California might have more coasters than that. With T2, it may not be a big step up or change in statistics, but can lead to possible improvements. This might get Africa to build, or recieve new coasters, such as T2

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[cory]

Well for poeple who does not read Screamscape ther has been a rumor saying the Fair Board has been in talk with Compagnie des Alpes about buying Kentucky Kingdom. http://screamscape.com/html/six_flags_kentucky_kingdom.htm. Now the Courier Journal reports that there is three other Amusement Parks interested in the park.

Here is a video of one of their parks that they operate! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jc-j5hqPLM

[Austin]

This is a good company upon my review.

Did a bit of research on the walibi parks and they seem to be focusing on fixing things in walibi belgium which is what we need badly. They have only removed 2 coasters since dropping six flags (one was old and the other had technical issues). But they dont seem to add coasters at all.

I hope they would take the park because if they fix things that six flags left to break we would already be a better park. They seem to know what theyre doing for frenches.

I'll have a much deeper review in the morning.

[cory]

Do they have Water parks because when i looked it up i did not seen one water ride or water slide.

[Austin]

yeah small ones tho

[cory]

Oh well if they do buy us i and we own the all the rides in Splashwater Kingdom i wonder will they open those.

[Austin]

They will. They would have to be to make the park profitable.

[cory]

Yes i hope Deluge never closes i love that ride. I am sure we will find out some about this before this weeks over.

Hopefully the park will be open for the 2010 season.

[Austin]

It will likely not open for 2010 as the park would have to have alot of things done in the short amount of time to get near opening. If they buy it this spring they could get so much work done on the park and rides because no one will be there. Then come back in 2011 as a completely refurbished park! Oh this is getting me excited lol.

[cory]

LOL

I really been wanting it to open for 2010 because i been looking forward on going. But if it gets that good then i guess i can wait another year for it to open.

[Austin]

I mean the buildings are in bad shape. Wood rotting, roof leaks etc. Rides need to be painted. The Giant Wheel can only be painted when its not in operation and it takes alot of down time to paint a ferris wheel. Bluebeards Bounty needs it, T2 needs a painting. Other then those rides as the main rides that need it alot of building renovations can be done like i said which would instantly make this one of the nicer parks in the region. Definitely better then six flags parks.

As for ride fixes go, Acme can get a nice gigantic fix to whatever is wrong with their cannons, Thrill park could use a nice big fix so that it runs smoothly. Other then that nothing really but the park will be extremely nice once finished and will be kept that way also.

[cici]

technically because Six Flags bought the park, they own all it's contents; and although it sounds like a brilliant plan for the KFEC to operate the rides, they legally can't because they are still property of Six Flags amusement parks so they either would have to buy the rides (which won't happen because Six Flags will probably either operate or put them in storage at other parks), get permission from Six Flags to operate them or file a civil suit for everything that's in the 36acres that the KFEC owns which would only be about 3 rides (and odds are an unbiased jury would find that because they are working "diligently" to remove every ride from the park it is still rightfully theirs).

[sccard01]

Last night I was on Theme Park Review, This guy name Jew made it clear to everyone. This is what he said...


But if the landlord approved for you to make physical changes to your place (say for example, you put new shelves in your closet)...You'd either be stuck leaving those behind or returning it to its original state. The foundations/footers/etc for rides and their support buildings are actual physical changes to the property.

I'm guessing that's the logic the fair board is using. They may not have a right to the rides themselves that SF put in on their own, but they possibly have the right to force Six Flags to spend extra cash on the ride removals to return things back to how they were (or even force them to leave the rides there if that is the only possible solution). It may very well be a fair argument depending on the wording in the lease.

[Austin]

Further research:

I couldnt translate their full company name but it comes out in pieces as either Company of the Alps or Company from the Alps. Their slogan is Recreation/Leisure in good company.

They are always going up in their profits each year a big plus

Parc Asterix rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4790.htm. Screamscape page: http://screamscape.com/html/parc_asterix.htm

Parc Bagatelle rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4860.htm You can see they took out a jet star on 2007 making it the 3rd ive found so far.

France Miniature rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/5648.htm

Hellendoorn avonturenpark rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4841.htm

Fort Fun Abenteuerland rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4881.htm

New Pleasurewood Hills rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4818.htm - looks like one was removed also

Bellewaerde Park rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4848.htm

Walibi belgium rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4847.htm

Walibi World rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4794.htm

Walibi Rhone Alps rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4857.htm

Walibi Aquitaine rcdb page: http://rcdb.com/4856.htm

Walibi parks screamscape page: http://screamscape.com/html/walibi_parks.htm

Looks like they run alot of small parks with the four walibi's and Parc Asterix as the major parks. With only four coasters removed since six flags left also.

Coasters that were removed since six flags:

Mouse Trap - New Pleasurewood Hills (http://rcdb.com/853.htm)
Parc Bagatelle - Jet Star (http://rcdb.com/947.htm)
Tornado - Walibi Belgium (http://rcdb.com/923.htm)
Vertigo - Walibi Belgium (http://rcdb.com/3457.htm)

[sccard01]

The way is sound, Louisville wants the park open this year. CdA really don't have to do anything this season, they just need to reopen the park and take anything out that involves Six Flags. Renaming the kids attractions and Road Runner Express.

The park can open on Memorial Day weekend you know.

We probably know by tomorrow what is going on, If that rumor is true about the CdA, at that council meeting to keep the park open.

[Austin]

A little more research which is pretty impressive: They made 456 million in profits from sales and i translated that to dollars and it came out as $629 Million. 197 million euros from their theme parks were: $271.8 Million(USD) Ski parks: 259 million Euros = 357.3 Million USD. Net Income from 2007 was 61.6 Million USD

In 2005 and 2007 they made large investments in both their parks and ski resorts which is why profit from 2007 is sort of low.

The newest bad thing I found was they are in debt also. At an average for the periode 2002-2006, net debt was 81% of shareholders'equity. The acquisition of five leisure parks was financed in part by a capital increase of €75 million. On September 30, 2006, net debt stood at 104% of equity.

[Cody Comet]

Keep in mind that pretty much every theme park company, except maybe Disney and Universal has some debt, so that might not be a bad thing, as long as its not as bad as Six Flags or Cedar Fair's debt. I think one reason for them considering Kentucky Kingdom is b/c despite the recession, I think the dollar is still worth more than the euro, which may help them in making renovations and additions to the park.

[Austin]

True. But the debt gives us security in a way. If it gets out of hand they would surely try and get rid of their smaller parks in France.

[hardie1010]

Keep in mind that pretty much every theme park company, except maybe Disney and Universal has some debt, so that might not be a bad thing, as long as its not as bad as Six Flags or Cedar Fair's debt. I think one reason for them considering Kentucky Kingdom is b/c despite the recession, I think the dollar is still worth more than the euro, which may help them in making renovations and additions to the park.

I agree with everything except the Dollar to Euro Comparison. 10 Euros is ABOUT 15 dollars. which isn't TOO much discrepancy, but is still a notable difference.

[Cody Comet]

I wasn't totally sure about that, but if thats right, then maybe they can buy any new attractions and renovations for us in euros and save some money if thats legal to do.

[sccard01]

4 company's are interested in the park!

http://www.whas11.com/home/At-least-4-amusement-parks-interested-in-taking-place-of-Six-Flags-84046527.html

[nitrofan]

I don't think we can come to any conclusions without reading the lease agreement. If Six Flags signed a contract that said any improvements they make are property of the fair board, I wouldn't even know what to think...

[sccard01]

The KFEC did say it is in the lease aggrement. They said that the park can take rides on their property which is T2, Blizzard River, and Twisted Twins. Everything else is ours.

[Jp]

^ If thats the case, I just think T2 will be the only thing taken out!

[hardie1010]

^ If thats the case, I just think T2 will be the only thing taken out!

Well, That's more of a gain for KK! :)

[nitrofan]

So, Six Flags own Roadrunner and Greezed Lightnin' in full, but they can't take it because it is on the fair's property?

[sccard01]

So, Six Flags own Roadrunner and Greezed Lightnin' in full, but they can't take it because it is on the fair's property?

not sure, Road Runner Could of Been invested by Ed Hart in his 10 year investment plan from 1990 to 2000

[gl2007]

I'm pretty sure that Road Runner is Six Flags.

[cory]

I wonder who the other three is besides Compagnie des Alpes. This is cool for real this proves that we have a great park and Six Flags made a mistake.

[sccard01]

But also the Vampire was Kentucky kingdom property, Six Flags threw it out and replace it with Road Runner.

For some reason, I think there going to be a major fight over Chang

[cory]

I just hope Six Flags dont take all of our rides.

[gl2007]

Well, if what what the Fair Board says is true then they cannot take much of anything.

[SFNE Expert]

But also the Vampire was Kentucky kingdom property, Six Flags threw it out and replace it with Road Runner.

For some reason, I think there going to be a major fight over Chang
Six Flags didn't throw Vampire out. Its up North here at SFNE!

[Austin]

Disney? lol

[Austin]

Road runner was part of the 10 year plan.

[sccard01]

Six Flags didn't throw Vampire out. Its up North here at SFNE!

That's still throwing a ride outside our Park! Six Flags could of gave this ride extra rehab over the off season. But they just decided to rehab the ride and put it in SFNE.

[Cody Comet]

About a day after Kentucky Kingdom closed, I sent an email to the people at Herschend to encourage them to look into our park, so hopefully either after reading that or after deciding on their own, they've become one of the four. I also thought it may be possible that Merlin could be also looking for a Mid-American Legoland to go with the Florida one, but thats probably unlikely since we have too many thrill rides and they'd probably want their own parking. Most other American amusement companies are in massive debt, so the others are probably foreign too.

[Austin]

Id love legoland but not at Kentucky Kingdom. Ed would have a heart attack if that was announced lol. But I hope someone buys it soon. Unfortunately this is like the NFL Draft for the #1 picking team. They can work out a contract etc but they have to wait until the actual draft to select them officially. Thats like the park. The KFEC now has to wait a few weeks before a bankruptcy judge can approve the termination of lease but I wouldnt doubt the KFEC will have a successor picked by then to allow for quick opening this season.

Actually in the CJ today they had a new article:

At least four amusement-park companies have made inquiries to the Kentucky State Fair Board about taking over operation of Kentucky Kingdom, which the Six Flags company has said it will no longer operate.

“I'm optimistic we can get a new operator by this summer” and the park will reopen by then, said Harold Workman, fair board president.

Fair board officials are taking Six Flags at its word and assume that there is no chance for reaching a new lease deal with the company for some of the land it has used since 1998 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Workman said the board may issue a request for theme-park companies to submit proposals for reopening Kentucky Kingdom — once a bankruptcy court judge in Delaware frees Six Flags of its Kentucky Kingdom lease obligations. Workman said he expects that to happen within a few weeks.

“I am encouraged by the inquiries (of interest). We didn't solicit them. The calls came to us,” he said in an interview. He characterized the inquiries as being from “legitimate operators, people experienced in the amusement-park industry.”

Workman declined to name the companies, and he acknowledged that he had not yet responded to the inquiries. He said he didn't think it proper to respond, as long as Six Flags holds lease rights to the park.

Workman said there is “nothing new to report” in the way of renewed talks with Six Flags officials. And Sandra Daniels, a Six Flags spokeswoman in Dallas, indicated that no further negotiations with the fair board are planned.

Daniels affirmed that Six Flags plans to move some Kentucky Kingdom rides to its other amusements parks.

In a statement posted on its corporate Web site, Six Flags said it decided to reject its lease with the fair board. It said that in recent weeks, Six Flags had proposed a new arrangement to the fair board that would have enhanced the viability and future of the park.

“Unfortunately, those proposals were not accepted, and the park will cease operations and the company will move expeditiously to relocate employees and several of the more than 40 rides and attractions to one of its 13 other markets.”

Workman said that Six Flags was leasing about 45 acres from the fair board and owned an additional 15 acres, which are on the site of a former drive-in theater.

Workman said he hasn't yet surveyed how many of the park rides are on Six Flags' property and how many are on the fair board's land. He said one or two rides may even span both properties. Workman said it will be the fair board's position that Six Flags can't relocate any rides on state property and that anything attached to state-owned land belongs to the state. Some of the major rides cost several million dollars to develop.

Daniels said in an e-mail response that Six Flags has been “paying property taxes on those rides for the past 10 years. If it's the board's contention that they own the rides, why are we paying the taxes?”

Jefferson property valuation records indicated that Six Flags was paying taxes on personal property assessed at just over $6 million. But it wasn't clear Wednesday what the value was of all the real property Six Flags owned. Donna Hunt, deputy chief property valuation administrator, said records show Six Flags owned at least 18 tracts near the exposition center.

According to the Six Flags lease for Kentucky Kingdom, the company was to pay $1.185 million in rent this year. Workman said the fair board usually received another $450,000 or so a year from the parking fees that visitors to Kentucky Kingdom paid. Six Flags received no share of the parking revenue.

Workman said the current lease was to run through 2019 and provided for four 10-year renewal options. “In a four-line e-mail (Six Flags) was asking to pay zero rent through 2019, and, if they made a profit, they would share it with us,” he said.

He said the bankruptcy court recently had approved an agreement extending the deadline for renegotiating the lease until April 9. And Workman said Six Flags had told him just recently “that the park was doing well.”

Meanwhile, the Louisville Metro Council is scheduled to consider a resolution Thursday night “encouraging the Kentucky State Fair Board to find a way to reopen one of the state's top tourist attractions.”

The resolution, which has no force of law, is sponsored by two Metro Council members who are candidates for mayor, David Tandy, D-4th District, and Hal Heiner, R-19th. The resolution is expected to have broad bipartisan support.

The resolution said that Louisville residents “desire to see Six Flags or another operator move in to ensure” the park's operation “for many years to come.”

It notes that the park provided more than 1,000 summer youth jobs and drew tourists to Louisville. The resolution says the council “strongly endorses actions” by the city, the state and the fair board “to take all appropriate actions to keep Kentucky Kingdom open and operating.”

Reporter Sheldon S. Shafer can be reached at (502) 582-7089.

[sccard01]

the park could already have a new owner. The KFEC probably will not announce who the owner is until the day comes when the bankruptcy judge can approve the termination of lease.

[Austin]

Hmm.. true but they havent sent out a request yet or even responded to any of the inquiries. Still plenty of time between now and the bankruptcy judge to pick one.

[cory]

How about paramount was interested in the park lol there is not no way. Hopefully we find out who is interested in the park soon.

[Austin]

Paramount is permanently out of the business here in the states. Besides i would hate to have the park ruined by all these movie themed rides etc.

My short list:

Compagnie Des Alpes
Disney - possible but im basing this as a joke because of 1997
Herchend
Merlin - even though i hope they dont
Beechbend

[hardie1010]

Beech Bend seems to be rather odd that their in that list since their more of a competitor of KK. I f they buy it, it would become the Cedar point and Geuaga Lake episode.

[Austin]

Not really. KK is the larger park. Ive heard alot of speculation from around here they could be interested.

[cory]

Beech Bend buying us might be good because they will own both parks in Kentucky and htye would take care of the park cause they do the one in bowling green. They really dont got big Rollocoasters besides kentucky rumbler. They did just get a waterpark expansion this year to. It would not be that bad if they buy us.

[cory]

Does six flags own the area of Splashwater Kingdom?

[sccard01]

Nope, deluge barley made it in KFEC territory

[Changsucks]

Is Beech Bend an independent park?

[cory]

Well Kentucky Kingdom is not closing just going to be under a new operator but this is good news.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100211/NEWS01/2110361/Council++Save+Kentucky+Kingdom

[Vic]

Is Beech Bend an independent park?

Yea it is Owned by Dallas Jones.. he also owns the race track on the same property.

[Austin]

Im saving up all the news paper articles.

But after what screamscape posted Six flags shouldnt be taking very many rides. T2, MHF and parts of Blizzard River. And if they want to take stuff out of the paramax arena which isnt alot. Maybe whoever buys the park will move it out to a better location so rides can be built back there. Maybe over to a section where the height restriction is lower.

[sccard01]

most likely it would be kept for special events like gospel fest, concerts, Ohio Valley Wrestling and etc.

[Austin]

But it should be moved to a smaller height restricted area, like over in the northwest or by the picnic grove.

[brehon1104]

On whas11 at 11 they said they seen rides being dismantled and from the video they were showing it looked like it was the enterprise

[Austin]

Already taking illegally. Should have guessed.

[cory]

Thats how Six Flags is. I went on WHAS website and could not anything about it.

[Austin]

well regardless you will by the end of the week

[sccard01]

Actually, they were removing the stage in the Six Flags arena and maybe scenery. The enterprise wasn't touch what so ever while on camera. The news station just wanted a couple shots of the rides they could get a great view on.

[Vic]

If they showed the enterprise (at the moment) then it probably was dismantled because they take the gondolas off of the rides EVERY off season..

[nitrofan]

But also the Vampire was Kentucky kingdom property, Six Flags threw it out and replace it with Road Runner.

There was an interview of someone on the Fair Board and they said that Six Flags was allowed to take Chang out under the pretense that they replaced it with Bonzai Beach. They were probably allowed to take Vampire out on the pretense that they replaced it with Road Runner.

[sccard01]

If they showed the enterprise (at the moment) then it probably was dismantled because they take the gondolas off of the rides EVERY off season..

I know that and your 100% right.


What I was saying is that none of the rides were being touch or being torn down from what was shown on the news.

[Austin]

Yet that is.

[Cody Comet]

I was at my grandmas yesterday and I got really bored, so I played the original Roller Coaster Tycoon since its still on her computer to bring back some memories. I eventually reopened my file for the Funtopia scenerio and I noticed how much it resembled a pre Premier Kentucky Kingdom with the similar proportions, the famous road in the middle, the boomerang in the Vampire color scheme, and the B & M stand-up in the yellow & purple Chang paint scheme. It makes me miss Kentucky Kingdom even more and make me hope that Kentucky Kingdom is not really dead, just in a coma waiting for a respectable new operator.

Anyways, does anyone on here know if Chris Sawyer intended this scenerio to be based off Kentucky Kingdom or is it just a coincidence?

[nitrofan]

Can you post some screenshots? I've never played RCT1.

[Cody Comet]

I was able to find two screenshots on Google Images, which I've attached. In the first one, other stuff was added, but it still shows the Chang like coaster that was there from the beginning. The other one is a blank map of the scenerio that shows the road in the middle and the similar proportions.

[Austin]

Hmm i just remembered Merlin owns Alton Towers in England. With the way they've proven themselves with that park id love for them to buy the park also.

[MadCard05]

Bull s*** they bought them. They signed the lease screw them. Six Flags and the Fair Grounds screwed hundreds of kids out of there jobs for the summer. Screw them messing those kids out of work next summer.I hope to God that Six Flags is taken to court for Chang and that they have to pay the new owner of Kentucky Kingdom for it, or pay to have it put back in.

[sccard01]

Six Flags is still going to find a way to get the rides. THEY BOUGHT THEM! Thats what makes me mad. They paid for the rides.

no they didn't, this is what every one who lives outside of louisville or kentucky don't understand! in the past decade Six Flags only paid for about 4 rides at this park (3 of the 4 are water slides)

[Shayne]

Yes, however SFI has been paying the property taxes on those rides since the beginning of the lease. Property tax is paid by the owner of the rides. The safe assumption is that because of this SFI must be the legal owner of the rides. Unfortunately nobody I talk to is going to give me any more elaboration on this because it is an ongoing legal matter. That being said I will ask my law professor for his knowledge on property tax laws.

[Austin]

I dont think anyone knows for sure other then the state and six flags. But I dont think theyve paid enough on property taxes to even cover the cost of building it. If they want to take something take the water rides. Just giving us more room to build real rides.

[MadCard05]

They don't own the majority of the land the park sits on. They pay rent on the land to the KFEC.

If you've never been to Kentucky Kingdom, or live in the area, please be quiet about who owns the land. I live here, I know. I work with people who work at the park.