More hard times for (the park formerly known as) Hard Rock Park

Despite not technically being in North Carolina, we have followed the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the Myrtle Beach-based Hard Rock Park/Freestyle Park -- for no other reason than we know a number of North Carolinians vacation in the "Redneck Riviera."

Well, the park may not open anytime soon.

"An attorney representing Freestyle Amusement Park on the South Carolina coast said Monday the operators of the park have no current plans to reopen this summer," says the Associated Press.

"There are currently no plans to reopen for 2010, however they are in negotiations still with several investors and that's subject to change if something were to happen with the investors," said attorney David Slough.

The financially troubled park in Myrtle Beach was to have reopened earlier this month. Last month, Freestyle closed its business offices and laid off about 30 workers. ...

Freestyle opened last Memorial Day weekend after buying Hard Rock Park out of bankruptcy and reworking some of the rides and themes.

The 55-acre Hard Rock opened in 2008, but closed after a single season. The $400 million park was the biggest single investment in South Carolina tourism.

Freestyle Amusement Park faces a Thursday deadline to pay off a $570,000 debt it inherited when it bought Hard Rock. ...

Hard Rock Park unlikely to open in '09, 2010 a possibility

Just a short drive from N.C. is Myrtle Beach, aka, the "Redneck Riviera." It's a popular spot for North Carolinians; let's face it, there's more "to do" in Myrtle Beach than in any of our state's beach destinations.

One thing that can be scratched off the "to do" list in MB - at least for the very near future - is Hard Rock Park.

"The auction of the $400 million Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach is under way, but even if a buyer is identified this week, it is doubtful the park will be able to reopen next year, the state's tourism chief said.

"The 55-acre park, which opened in April, is being sold as part of the bankruptcy case of its owner, RPH Myrtle Beach Holdings LLC," says the Associated Press.

"Chad Prosser, director of South Carolina's Parks Recreation and Tourism Department, said Monday he thinks the $35 million minimum bid for the park may be a stumbling block for potential buyers.

"The winning bidder would have to spend a lot of money to get the park up and running and to market it, Prosser said. And that also would take time, even if a buyer comes out of this week's auction.

" 'At this point, I think it would be difficult to open in 2009,' Prosser said. 'I think it's more likely 2010.' ..."

Have no fear, beachgoers. There's still plenty of good restaurants and golf in Myrtle Beach, not to mention Eagles, Wings and the poor man's Hooters.