TWO MONTHS AFTER Ocean Park closed its doors to the public, the future of the Balls, Christ Church facility is still bleak.

"Mitch", who is responsible for "looking after the property", told the WEEKEND NATION in a telephone interview yesterday the lawns were still being mowed and the buildings maintained so that the marine and recreational park, which opened in June 2005, did not fall into disrepair.

"All the saltwater fish are gone from the property. There are only limited animals remaining which we're still maintaining on the property and looking after.

"The property has people at it every day just to prevent any theft and security is there," he said.

The property manager said that if there was no interest shown in the park, its future would become a decision of the owners and directors of the land.

"Obviously their first preference is to find either a buyer or someone who wants to take over the Ocean Park site, and should that not be possible, they will look to other options."

The facility, which stands on 18.8 acres of land, was closed to the public on August 30.

In a newspaper advertisement, the park has been listed as a business opportunity and is up for lease or sale with planning permission for a water park.

The ad stated the facilities included a children's playground; 18-hole miniature golf course with accessories; aquarium displays and equipment; catering equipment and supplies; an equipped restaurant and kitchen; a gift shop and storage areas.

More than 1 000 fish inclusive of sharks, barracudas and rays were exported to National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, England, in September.

A story on BBC News website on September 21 said "the 42-tonne shipment, in specially constructed tanks, is believed to be the biggest ever brought into [Britain]".

The National Marine Aquarium, in Plymouth, chartered a plane to import the 18 species of fish from Ocean Park. When the shipment landed, it was taken to the aquarium under police escort. The fish will form part of its Atlantic Ocean display.

In an interview back in August, general manager Tracy Johnson said the park just did not have the money to continue business, with operating costs that could range from $200 000 to $300 000 per month. (DS)