That's what worked for Bruce Mimran, who ran the small park at 15th Street and Atlantic Avenue for more than a decade before closing up shop. The park was best known for the Skyscraper, a 165-foot-tall ride that spun riders in giant circles.

Mimran said he fell behind on taxes while trying to sell the business. Unpaid equipment and admission taxes reached about $120,000 earlier this year, prompting the city to intervene to sell off the rides, said Tom Musumeci, who works in the treasurer's office.

A Massachusetts firm paid $215,000 for the park's log flume, he said. Part of that money was used to pay the back taxes and the rest will be used to pay other creditors. Business property taxes had not been paid for three years and the admission taxes were one year overdue, Musumeci said.

Mimran said it became too hard to make ends meet.

"It's a very capital-intensive business, and it just required a tremendous effort," he said.

The rides still for sale, including the Skyscraper, have been removed from the property.

Ken Young, president of the Norfolk Tides and Norfolk Admirals, was an original partner in the amusement park. Mimran said Young sold off most of his share in the park "years ago." He said Young's involvement today is a "very tiny amount."

Mimran pleaded guilty last year to misdemeanor charges related to unsafe and unsanitary conditions at a Norfolk trailer park he owns with Young.

Musumeci said Young was not involved in the city's effort to collect back taxes and sell the park's equipment.

Another amusement park is coming to the site. Jim Loomis, who owns Virginia Beach Motor World, a go-kart track on South Birdneck Road, will run the new park.

Motor World manager Kevin Bryan said "Atlantic Fun Park Virginia Beach" will feature a 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel. The city permit for the ride estimated its cost at $50,000. He said the aim is to open it around July 4, but renovations will continue into next year.