New owner plans to reopen Ghost Town in the Sky theme park

The shuttered Ghost Town in the Sky theme park has reportedly been acquired by a new owner, who plans to reopen part of the property to the public later in 2012.

News 13 reports that Alaska Presley, who was involved in the park's original opening in 1960, has acquired Ghost Town in the Sky's bank notes and assets from mortgage holder Branch Banking & Trust. She plans to complete the takeover following a public auction on February 10 at the Haywood County courthouse.

Presley hopes to reopen at least some of Ghost Town in the Sky prior to the end of the 2012 season, although this could be challenging. The park was hit by a mudslide in February 2010 that caused serious damage to an access road, and many of its rides will be in need of significant refurbishment.

A deal to rescue Ghost Town in the Sky was mooted by part-owner Al Harper in December 2010, after he agreed to sell 49% of his scenic railway company to Remodel Auction, creating a combined group known as American Heritage Family Parks. The new company announced its intent to rescue the theme park, but no announcements have been made since.

Harper was one of three owners who bought Ghost Town in the Sky in 2006, some 4 years after a previous bankruptcy forced its closure. However, the park plunged back into bankruptcy in November 2009, just two years after reopening.