Tulsa Water Park Failed To Pay Rent

A recent News On 6 report has led to more questions for the owners of Big Splash. The News On 6's Dan Bewley reports the Tulsa water park owes more than $130,000 to the county for last year's rent.

It's the home of summer fun for hundreds of kids every day. But the calm above the water may be hiding problems for the Tulsa water park. Last week, The News On 6 learned two slides were opened in direct opposition to a Department of Labor investigation that the slides should stay closed until rotting support beams were replaced.

"I would say it was just an overview on my part," said Big Splash owner Loretta Murphy on June 23rd.

County Commissioner John Smaligo said the discovery caused him to examine Big Splash's bottom line.

Friday morning he got a call from Rick Bjorklund, who is the CEO of Expo Square. Bjorklund told Smaligo Big Splash has not paid last year's rent of $130,657. Smaligo also found an uncashed check worth $68,000, half of the rent from 2006.

Neither Commissioner Smaligo or Commissioner Randi Miller could talk to on-camera but both told The News On 6 they were shocked to learn the rent had not been paid.

Bad weather forced Big Splash to close on Saturday and attempts to get in touch with Murphy were unsuccessful. But the Associated Press reports Murphy said she didn't pay the rent because she is waiting on a $120,000 sponsorship check from Coca-Cola.

The AP also reports Rick Bjorklund said he was aware of the situation and that he and Murphy had talked about the late rent.

Commissioners Randi Miller and John Smaligo both say Mr. Bjorklund doesn't have the authority to grant Big Splash an extension in paying its rent. And they both say if he knew the water park was late paying its rent he's required to report it.

Many say the situation is worse than what led to the demise of Bell's Amusement Park.

"I don't like being here. I don't drive down 21st Street anymore," said former Bell's President Robby Bell.

Bell and his family shut down the park in 2006 after the fair board did not renew their lease. At the time Commissioner Randi Miller said it was the best interest of the fairgrounds, saying the Bell's had a faulty business plan.

But Robby Bell says his family never missed paying rent. He says there were times they asked for an extension but they always paid the rent in full in a timely manner. He calls the treatment that his family endured and the lack of action against Big Splash a double-standard.

"This is the kind of stuff that people should lose their contract over and people should lose their jobs over,' said Bell.

Commissioners Miller and Smaligo say it's not fair to compare the Bell's situation with Big Splash. Both say they plan to keep investigating the money trail, to determine who knew Big Splash had not paid rent.

A message left with Expo Square CEO Rick Bjorklund was not returned.

Related Story:

06/23/2008 - Big Splash Owner Offers Apology