Theme park operator Six Flags is to close its Kentucky Kingdom operation.

The company had recently proposed a new lease arrangement to the Kentucky State Fair Board, a move designed to enhance the viability and future of the park. When the proposals were not accepted, Six Flags announced that the park would close. It is now working on plans to re-locate affected employees and move several of Kentucky Kingdom's more than 40 rides and attractions to one of its 13 other operations. Mark Shapiro, Six Flags president and CEO said: "We are deeply disappointed to be leaving such a great fan base in the greater metropolitan area of Louisville and we are grateful to the thousands of employees at Kentucky Kingdom and the millions of guests for their dedication, support and loyalty over the years."

He added: "This action relates solely to Kentucky Kingdom. The substantial lease payment has been a significant hurdle for the park in recent years. Our other parks, which reside largely on company-owned land, will be completely unaffected and will open as scheduled for the full 2010 season." Kentucky Kingdom - which included a free waterpark called Splashwater Kingdom - opened in Louisville, Kentucky, US in May, 1987 and was the ninth amusement park to carry the Six Flags name.

Pic: Greezed Lightnin', a shuttle roller coaster at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom