KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Tulsa Man Didn't Cancel Wild West World Sale
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by Kim HynesA Tulsa man who was supposed to buy Wild West World says he didn't pull out of the sale.
Last month, a bankruptcy judge approved selling the park to Jerry Murphy. Murphy runs Spectacular Attractions, a company that provides midways at state fairs.
Murphy was supposed to close on the park May 30th. He says he asked for an extension to finalize some paperwork. He says he hadn't finished the contract with Park City to buy its parking lot on the property. Plus a survey of the land still needed to be done.
Murphy thought Park City would grant him an extension and he would start moving in rides later this summer. He says he had every intention of opening the park next year.
Murphy was surprised to hear local oilman Wink Hartman put in a bid to buy the property. Hartman offered $2 million, the same amount Murphy offered. Wednesday, the Park City city council approved industrial revenue bonds for the property. They voted to support Hartman's purchase of the property.
Hartman isn't sure what he'll do with the land.
Murphy says it will be a shame if it's not used as an amusement park. He says all of the infrastructure is already in place and would hate to see it all bulldozed.
"The city has got to do what it thinks is best for them. I'm disappointed because I think the park could have been a great deal over the long run for Wichita. I think citizens deserve a good amusement park," Murphy said.
A bankruptcy judge still needs to sign off on the Hartman deal. Murphy says he will back off because he refuses to get into a bidding war.
