The Superslide Amusement Park, which opened 40 years ago at Sertoma Park, hasn't changed much over the past decade, with many of the same rides and ticket prices.

To keep the customers coming in, amusement parks need to occasionally offer something new, but the owner of the Superslide park says there isn't any more room.

Richard Fleckenstein, who bought the amusement park eight years ago, spoke to the Bismarck Park Board at last week's meeting to request an increase in the 66,000 square feet the facility is allowed to use at Sertoma. This would involve moving the fence on the east side 35 feet, to within 5 feet of the pedestrian trail, and create about 35 feet by 145 feet of additional use area.

"The reason I'm asking to expand the fence line is to allow us to do several things which will keep the cost of the amusement park where it is," Fleckenstein said. "Our expenses continue to rise, but the ticket prices haven't been increased in 13 years, other than the mini-golf."

The ability to generate revenue by the park is limited to a schedule of about 115 days each year. In 2006, Fleckenstein paid the park district $17,000 to rent the land.

There are not many companies that insure amusement parks, and Fleckenstein has kept the types of rides provided in the very low-risk category. The proximity of the amusement park to the Dakota Zoo has been beneficial to both operations, he added, noting a family can plan an entire day around a visit.

Last year, the counter on the Superslide registered just under 500,000 rides, and more than 40,000 participated on the rock climb. There are about 16 rides and games currently available.

"The park is very well utilized," Fleckenstein said. "But by not allowing the amusement park to grow, you're capping its ability to stay in business. We've kept the prices for tickets the same, because when you're a younger family with small children, there's not a lot of extra money."

Five years ago, the amusement park was vandalized and Fleckenstein put in a security system. With the short season, any time the park has to be closed makes it difficult.

Other than putting in a new building to sell novelties, Fleckenstein hasn't made concrete plans for what type of rides he hopes to add, but they will remain safe and quiet like his other rides, he said. Fleckenstein said the fence could be moved at any time, though he was looking closer to September than May.

District director Steve Neu recommended the park board receive the request and allow district staff to further refine the issue and bring back a more detailed form at the May meeting of the board.

"It's a great asset to the park," board president Mark Zimmerman said. "But I have a concern on how crowded we'll allow the park to become. I think we should allow the staff to work with Richard (Fleckenstein) to come up with some plans and come back."

Board member Paul Quist suggested that the amusement park be included in any long-term planning for Sertoma. He'd like to have a master plan on what will be allowed at the park.

The board agreed to receive the request, turn it over to staff and return with the proposal at the May meeting.