If a decrepit-looking bankrupt amusement park closes its doors, does its landlord make a sound? Apparently in Louisville the answer is yes.

Strike up the dueling press releases.

First the bankrupt Six Flags announced late yesterday that it was closing Kentucky Kingdom and taking its employees and rides to one of its 13 other markets. It claims to have "proposed a new lease arrangement to the fair board that would have enhanced the viability and future of the park. Unfortunately, those proposals were not accepted."

Translation: I'm taking my broken roller coaster and going home.

Shortly thereafter Harold Workman, president and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board, responded with a press release of his own, saying Six Flag's "statement misrepresents what has taken place."

Translation: Liar, liar pants on fire.

Workman goes on to say, "Tonight’s announcement by Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom caught the Kentucky State Fair Board completely by surprise. The Kentucky State Fair Board remains ready and willing to discuss any reasonable proposal that Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom may put forward in order to continue the park’s operation.”

Translation: You can't leave me, Kentucky Kingdom, I still love you.

Clearly there's a chance that Sam and Diane will get back together. But, if not, hopefully the Kentucky State Fair Board will find a better use for that rare Louisville commodity: vacant commercially zoned land.

You also might enjoy: New York Times reports what Louisvillians already know: Growlers good.

Photo: Courtesy Six Flags