More than 20 years ago, husband-and-wife team Russell and Robbie Allison purchased a moon bounce that they rented out and operated on the weekends for birthday parties. That was the beginning of ventures that now include Andy Alligators Fun Park in Norman, Oklahoma, and a sister company which provides corporate event planning services throughout the South Central United States.
The Allisons business financing needs for Andy Alligators were met by utilizing the SBA 504 lending program and through the partnership of First Bank & Trust, Norman, OK and Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI). Loan proceeds were used for purchase of land, construction, machinery and equipment. Under the recent stimulus package, the SBA 504 now offers a temporary elimination of participation and processing fees for the lender and reduced fees for the borrower.
This was just a great project and partnership, said Debbie Partin, REI financial services director. We always like it when we can partner with the SBA and a local bank to accomplish such an exciting project that will benefit the community in so many ways.
Partin encourages Oklahoma lenders to contact REI about the SBA 504 lending program for projects they may have, especially since the announcement of the recent temporary elimination and reduction of fees as outlined in the stimulus package.
There is a lot of fun to be had at Andy Alligators and it has no age barriers. Kids feel like grown-ups as they challenge the 32 foot climbing wall and grown-ups feel like kids as they race around in the Go-Karts. The list of activities includes bumper cars, batting cages, blaster bumper boats, climbing wall, miniature bowling, water wars and the arcade provides additional fun. Add a pizzeria, café, party rooms and a variety of food concessions and you have the perfect combination for a day of family fun and food.
Conveniently located on an eight acre site at Interstate 35 and Indian Hills Road, between Norman and Moore, OK, Andy Alligators can be the ideal place for a corporate picnic or other social event. A pavilion and additional recreational equipment accommodates corporate events without disrupting families who are enjoying the park at the same time.
Its been a long but rewarding road in developing the fun park and we couldnt have accomplished it without assistance from REI and First Bank & Trust, said Russell Allison. We live in a world filled with stress, concerns and uncertainty so having fun is a great investment. When we see families spending time together and enjoying themselves, we know its a worthwhile endeavor.
Andy Alligators employs seven full-time staff and 50 seasonal workers. Call 405.321.7275 for more information. Andy Alligators also has a fun web site at www.andyalligators.com.
For more information about REI and the SBA 504 lending program, visit www.ruralenterprises.com.