{{Short description|Defunct amusement park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, U.S.}} {{redirect|Hard Rock Park|the baseball stadium in Marysville, California|Bryant Field (stadium)}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}} {{Infobox amusement park | name = Freestyle Music Park | previous_names = {{Plainlist| *Fantasy Harbour (planning) *Hard Rock Park (April–September 2008)}} | logo = Freestyle Music Park logo.svg | image = Freestyle Music Park.jpg | caption = The former amusement park in June 2013 | location = Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States | coordinates = {{Coord|33.714|-78.933|type:landmark_region:US-SC|display=inline,title}} | status = Demolished | theme = {{Plainlist| *Rock and roll (April–September 2008) *All genres of music (May–September 2009)}} | owner = {{Plainlist| *HRP Myrtle Beach Operations (April–September 2008) *FPI MB Entertainment (May 2009–August 2011) *FPI US LLC/FPI US Holdings, Inc. (August 2011–December 28, 2018) *FTPP Bishop Parkway LLC (December 2018–present)}} | general_manager = | operator = | opening_date = {{Start date|2008|04|15}} | closing_date = {{End date|2009|09|14}} | season = Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day | visitors = | area = {{convert|55|acre|ha}} | rides = 50+ | coasters = 5 | water_rides = | other_rides = 15+ | shows = 7-8 | slogan = {{Plainlist| *''Where Rock Comes to Play'' (Hard Rock Park) *''Full Volume Family Fun'' (Freestyle Music Park)}} | footnotes = }}
'''Freestyle Music Park''', formerly called '''Hard Rock Park''', was a music-themed amusement park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Built on {{Convert|55|acre}},<ref>http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/hrp/ Hard Rock Park page – The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516044912/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/hrp/ |date=May 16, 2008 }}</ref> the park was located at the intersection of US 501 and the Intracoastal Waterway. It included part of the former Waccamaw Factory Shoppes in Fantasy Harbour, and its headquarters was located in Mall 3.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2008/04/20/a-new-riff-from-hard-rock/|title=A new riff from Hard Rock|last=Bordsen|first=John|work=Baltimore Sun|date=April 20, 2008|access-date=February 14, 2012}}</ref>
The park opened to the public on April 15, 2008, but following financial issues, it closed later that year on September 24. It reopened under the Freestyle brand on May 23, 2009,<ref name="foster">{{cite news|title=Park Chucks Rock Name, Goes with Freestyle Music Park |last=Foster |first=Jessica |date=April 10, 2009 |work=The Sun News}}</ref><ref name="younger">{{cite news|title= Freestyle Music Park Shows Off Its Younger Side |last=Cherney |first=Mike |date=May 9, 2009 |work=The Sun News}}</ref><ref name="opener">{{cite news|url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20090512/143/freestyle-music-park-announces-ticket-prices-and-special-offers|title=Freestyle Music Park announces ticket prices and special offers|last=Sim|first=Nick|date=May 12, 2009|work=Theme Park Tourist|access-date=November 6, 2019}}</ref> but it closed permanently at the end of the season due to mounting financial problems and lawsuits.<ref name=april2/> The amusement park sat abandoned and was frequently vandalized until its complete demolition in February 2022 to develop a FedEx industrial center on the site.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=WMBF News |date=2022-02-02 |title=Former Freestyle Music Park property could become FedEx facility, land records show |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2022/02/02/former-freestyle-music-park-property-could-soon-become-fedex-facility-land-records-show/ |access-date=2026-05-07 |website=WMBF News |language=en}}</ref>
==History== thumb|Hard Rock Park (May 2008)
===Development of Hard Rock Park=== Jon Binkowski, a businessman from Florida who had worked in the amusement-park industry, bought a small theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1999<ref name="n126653271">{{Cite news |last=Bordsen |first=John |date=2008-03-12 |title=Roller coast |pages=I1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-hard-rock-park/126653325/ I4] |work=The Charlotte Observer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-roller-coastjohn/126653271/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> or 2000.<ref name="dawy9" /> The theater, known as the Ice Castle, did not attract as many guests as Binkowski had expected. Binkowski and Rank Group executive Steven Goodwin began developing plans for an amusement park around the Ice Castle known as Fantasy Harbour.<ref name="dawy9">{{cite web |last=Caiger-Smith |first=Will |date=February 11, 2019 |title=The Spectacular Failure of the World's Only Hard Rock Theme Park |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/hard-rock-theme-park-ten-years-later-global-financial-crisis/ |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=VICE |page=}}</ref> Early in the planning process, Binkowski and Goodwin considered theming the park to the four seasons of summer, spring, winter and fall.<ref name="dawy9" /><ref name="Binkowksi">{{cite news |last=Bryant |first=Dawn |date=September 15, 2013 |title=Park developer reflects on what went wrong five years after its only season |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-hard-rock-park/126650113/ 3D] |work=The Sun News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-hard-rock-park-developer-reflec/126650082/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> After investors said a season–themed amusement park would be too generic, Binkowski considered partnering with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to create an amusement park themed to MGM films, but this idea was too costly. Finally, in 2002, Binkowski proposed a Hard Rock Cafe–themed park in a late-night email to Goodwin, who himself had worked for Hard Rock Cafe in the late 1990s.<ref name="dawy9" /> They spent two hours drawing up plans for the park in a Kinko's store in Hollywood, Los Angeles.<ref name="nyt-2008-07-06">{{Cite news |last=Kurutz |first=Steven |date=2008-07-06 |title=Did Bob Marley Grow Up in a Water Park? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/fashion/06rock.html |access-date=2023-06-18 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Plans for a Hard Rock-themed amusement park were released in 2003, but at the time funding and licensing agreements had yet to be finalized.<ref name="Hard Rock Park? Cool">{{cite news|title=Hard Rock Park? Cool|newspaper=Sun Times|date=August 8, 2003}}</ref> The park was budgeted at $250 million by January 2005, and Binkowski and Goodwin sought $25 million to $30 million from the government of Horry County, South Carolina. However, as Binkowski and Goodwin were reluctant to submit detailed business plans, members of the county council refused to approve the bond financing.<ref name="Callahan 2008 nk008">{{cite web |last=Callahan |first=Sarah Jean |date=December 14, 2008 |title=Hard Rock Park: The way the music died |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/business/article16593434.html |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Myrtle Beach Sun News |page=}}</ref> AVX Corporation CEO Dick Rosen and other investors including Ziel Feldman and Safe Harbor Capital Partners managing partner Amnon Bar-Tur created two companies. Myrtle Property Owners I, which invested in the proposed theme park and Myrtle Property Owners II which bought land from Rosen with the intent to build a hotel along the Intracoastal Waterway in October 2005. A feasibility study predicted 3 million visitors a year in the park's first year, with growth of nine percent the second year and decreasing growth rates after that.<ref name="Auction">{{cite news|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/06/30/2916122/myrtle-beach-area-land-that-would.html|title=Myrtle Beach area land that would have had Hard Rock Park hotel headed to auction|last=Bryant|first=Dawn|work=The Sun News|date=July 30, 2012|access-date=July 31, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805011637/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/06/30/2916122/myrtle-beach-area-land-that-would.html|archive-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref>
By 2006, a licensing agreement with the Hard Rock franchise was reached,<ref name="Hard Rock Park, Jostens Lead Sales of Riskiest Debt (Update 2)">{{cite news|last=Siew|first=Walden|title=Hard Rock Park, Jostens Lead Sales of Riskiest Debt (Update 2)|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=awraqt5Q5DNI&refer=us|access-date=February 10, 2013|newspaper=Bloomberg|date=April 5, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613010401/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=awraqt5Q5DNI&refer=us|archive-date=June 13, 2015}}</ref> two days before the Ice Castle had been scheduled for foreclosure.<ref name="n126653271" /> The Hard Rock name was licensed from Seminole Nation–owned Hard Rock International, current owners/operators of the Hard Rock Cafe brand, to HRP Myrtle Beach Operations, LLC, which designed and built the park, for a fee of $2.5 million per year.<ref name="SC's Hard Rock Park to reopen in May with new name">{{cite news|title=SC's Hard Rock Park to reopen in May with new name|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-04-03-hard-rock-park-reopen_N.htm|access-date=November 19, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 3, 2009|agency=The Associated Press}}</ref> Africa Israel Investments owned the majority stake in the park.<ref name="n126647853">{{Cite news |last=Wren |first=David |date=2007-07-31 |title=Diamond entrepreneur leading S.C. attraction |pages=15, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-park/126647853/ 16] |work=The State |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-diamond-entrepreneur-leading-s/126647765/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> Investors also included Tim Duncan and AVX Corporation CEO Dick Rosen. Financing also included a loan of $385 million, though the park only cost $225 million to build.<ref name="Binkowksi" /> Most of the financing, about $305 million, was junk bonds.<ref name="dawy9" /> Real estate owners and investors in Myrtle Beach also agreed to give the project $37 million in cash, along with several parcels of land worth $25 million, if they could obtain a partial ownership stake in the park.<ref name="dawy9" />
A groundbreaking for the park took place on July 13, 2006,<ref name="n126649155" /><ref name="Wilmington Star-News 2006 uk8bq">{{cite web |date=July 13, 2006 |title=Groundbreaking held for rock 'n' roll theme park in Myrtle Beach |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2006/07/13/groundbreaking-held-for-rock-n-roll-theme-park-in-myrtle-beach/30268145007/ |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Wilmington Star-News |page=}}</ref> although few details of the park had been announced by then.<ref name="n126649155">{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Dawn |date=2006-07-13 |title=Operators maintain theme park will be built |pages=6 |work=The State |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-operators-maintain-theme-park/126649155/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref><ref name="n126649341">{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Otis R. Jr. |date=2006-07-09 |title=Rock 'n' roll gets a new place to play |pages=47, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-park/126649399/ 50] |work=The State |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-rock-n-roll-gets-a-new-place/126649341/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> Due to the various unexecuted plans for the site over the years, many local residents were skeptical of whether the proposed park could be completed.<ref name="n126649155" /> As late as March 2007, few details had been revealed about the park, even though its operators had begun hiring the first of 3,000 employees and were looking for a $3 million tax abatement from the government of South Carolina.<ref name="n126651077">{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Dawn |date=2007-03-25 |title=Park preview to open |pages=45, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-park/126651112/ 50] |work=Sun-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-park-preview-to-open/126651077/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> Details of Hard Rock Park were officially announced in April 2007 when its promoters began advertising the park in six cities.<ref name="Led Zeppelin – The Ride Coming To Hard Rock Park">{{cite web|last=Gieszl|first=Eric|title=Led Zeppelin – The Ride Coming To Hard Rock Park|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20070413_01.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Rollercoaster|access-date=February 10, 2013|date=April 13, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106011356/http://ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20070413_01.shtml|archive-date=November 6, 2012}}</ref><ref name="n126648875">{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Dawn |date=2007-04-10 |title=Concepts revealed for rock park's rides |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-hard-rock-park/126648970/ 5] |work=Sun-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-concepts-revealed-for-rock-park/126648875/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> At the time of the announcement, Hard Rock Park was to be the first major new amusement park in the United States since Legoland California in 1999.<ref name="n126648875" /> The park's developers also opened a preview center where they displayed a scale model of the park, as well as renderings of attractions.<ref name="n126649479">{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Dawn |date=2007-04-19 |title=Guests give park a whirl |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-park/126649522/ 10] |work=Sun-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-guests-give-park-a-whirl/126649479/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> Construction for the park took place during the same year.<ref name="Hard Rock Park builds stairway to coaster heaven">{{cite journal|title=Hard Rock Park builds stairway to coaster heaven|journal=Park World Magazine|date=August 21, 2007|url=http://parkworld-online.com/news/archivestory.php/aid/507/Hard_Rock_Park_builds_stairway_to_coaster_heaven.html|access-date=February 16, 2013|publisher=Datateam Business Media Limited|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411154822/http://parkworld-online.com/news/archivestory.php/aid/507/Hard_Rock_Park_builds_stairway_to_coaster_heaven.html|archive-date=April 11, 2013}}</ref> The park's primary attraction, Led Zeppelin The Ride, topped out during July 2007.<ref name="n126650576">{{Cite news |last=Ritch |first=Emma |date=2007-07-21 |title=Hard Rock Park sprouts on Strand |pages=29 |work=Sun-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-hard-rock-park-sprouts-on-stran/126650576/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref>
Even during Hard Rock Park's construction, questions arose over whether the park was viable. During the construction process, amusement industry expert Dennis Spiegel said the planned park was "questionable" since it could not operate year-round. Local businesspeople also expressed concerns about the projected guest counts, which they believed were overly high;<ref name="Callahan 2008 nk008" /> according to Hard Rock Park's developers, the park was supposed to attract 30,000 guests per day.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/aug/31/hard_times_at_hard_rock52654 |last=Hicks |first=Brian |title=Hard Times at Hard Rock |date=August 31, 2008 |work=The Post and Courier |access-date=May 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204153640/http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/aug/31/hard_times_at_hard_rock52654/ |archive-date=December 4, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="NBC News 2008 mdxty">{{cite web |date=May 8, 2008 |title=Hard Rock Park opens with Zeppelin coaster |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna24504255 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=NBC News |page=}}</ref> The park's financing consisted mostly of junk bonds, so the park would be forced to make extremely high interest payments on these bonds if they failed to meet the projected guest numbers.<ref name="dawy9" /> Park representatives planned to rely on word-of-mouth marketing instead of a dedicated marketing campaign, and they chose to only partner with certain "preferred" hotels rather than allowing all local hotels to sell tickets to the park.<ref name="Callahan 2008 nk008" /> Although the park had been planned to operate for ten months per year,<ref name="n126653271" /> this ultimately turned out not to be the case.<ref name="dawy9" /><ref name="Callahan 2008 nk008" />
===2008 season: Hard Rock Park=== Following a soft opening in April 2008,<ref name="Bowen 2008 u8288">{{cite web |last=Bowen |first=Shannan |date=April 15, 2008 |title=Hard Rock rolls out coasters for 'soft' park opening |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2008/04/15/hard-rock-rolls-out-coasters-for-soft-park-opening/30447124007/ |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Wilmington Star-News |page=}}</ref> Hard Rock Park officially opened on June 2, 2008, with a concert by Eagles and The Moody Blues.<ref name="n126653537">{{Cite news |last=Erskine |first=Mary |date=2008-06-03 |title=Eagles land in MB |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-eagles/126653567/ 6] |work=Sun-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-eagles-land-in-mbmary-erskine/126653537/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> The park's opening ceremony was accompanied by a golf tournament that was closed to the public (although this had not been the original plan), where few celebrities showed up.<ref name="Callahan 2008 nk008" /> The park featured six "rock environs" celebrating rock's culture, lifestyle, legends and irreverence. These rock environs included the All Access Entry Plaza, Rock & Roll Heaven, British Invasion, Lost in the 70's, Born in the US and Cool Country.<ref>[http://www.hardrockpark.com/press/pressRelease.pdf Hard Rock Park Turns Up The Volume On The Family Leisure Scene] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009121328/http://www.hardrockpark.com/press/pressRelease.pdf |date=October 9, 2007 }}, Press Release</ref> At opening, the park had amusement rides, live shows, interactive elements, kids' play areas, gardens, shopping and dining attractions. The park included an amphitheater with 10,000-person capacity featuring live daily shows and special performances.<ref name="n126647853" /> The attractions were divided between six zones and included three major roller coasters, in addition to a water playground themed to the country of Jamaica, several stores, and a 1960s-themed cafe.<ref name="n126648875" /> The park's headquarters, an arcade, and one of the rides were located within the abandoned Waccamaw Factory Shoppes.<ref name="n126653271" />
The park opened to positive reviews. ''The Times'' of London's writer Chris Haslam concluded that America's newest theme park brought the genre "from the preschool plastic of Disney to a new age of insubordinate adolescence through a combination of nerdy attention to detail, startling irreverence and sly wit."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldhum.com/travel-blog/item/hard_rock_park_opens_to_awesome_reviews_20080515/|title=Hard Rock Park Opens to 'Awesome' Reviews|last=Holland|first=Eva|publisher=WorldHum|date=May 15, 2008|access-date=February 18, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415094705/http://www.worldhum.com/travel-blog/item/hard_rock_park_opens_to_awesome_reviews_20080515/|archive-date=April 15, 2011}}</ref> Beth J. Harpaz, Associated Press travel editor, declared Nights in White Satin: The Trip as one of her all-time favorite rides from any park.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20080521/ap_tr_ge/travel_dispatches_hard_rock_park_generation_gap|title=Grown-ups' revenge: Explaining Hard Rock Park|last=Harpaz|first=Beth J.|agency=Associated Press|date=May 21, 2008|access-date=February 18, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905083158/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20080521/ap_tr_ge/travel_dispatches_hard_rock_park_generation_gap|archive-date=September 5, 2008}}</ref> However, in light of the frozen credit markets during the 2008 financial crisis, the park could not secure sufficient financing to underwrite its planned advertising campaign.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/708042.html |last=Fleisher |first=Lisa |title=Hard Rock Park: The Way the Music Died |date=December 14, 2008 |work=The Sun News |access-date=May 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204150443/http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/708042.html |archive-date=February 4, 2013 }}</ref> As the 2008 economic downturn deepened during the summer, high gas and hotel prices coupled with limited advertising by the park led to lower-than-expected attendance. The park cited "macroeconomic conditions that significantly depressed overall demand in the travel and leisure industry" and a lack of cash to advertise.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/356701.html |last=Fleisher |first=Lisa |title=Ill-timed Hard Rock Is on the Block |date=November 16, 2008 |work=The Sun News |access-date=May 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730180051/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/356701.html |archive-date=July 30, 2012 }}</ref> The park had borrowed a lot of money and could not convince investors to provide more help to keep the park going.<ref name=Binkowksi/>
Despite the park operators' reluctance to offer discounted tickets, they began offering discounted tickets during Black Bike Week, as well as to hospitality workers and to residents of the Carolinas. As early as the beginning of August 2008, Hard Rock Park was in danger of bankruptcy, in part because there were so few visitors, and the park did not have enough money in its reserves to offset its lagging attendance.<ref name="Callahan 2008 nk008" /> Changes were made to operating hours and planned operating days.<ref name="dawy9" /><ref name=":0" /> The original closing time of 1 a.m. was moved up to 10 p.m. in August and the park moved to weekend-only operations after Labor Day. With an earlier end-of-season planned on November 2, the park scheduled no concerts past August 30.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200808/870/|title=TV report fuels rumors of Hard Rock Park demise|publisher=themeparkinsider.com (incl. transcript from WPDE-TV)|date=August 7, 2009|access-date=February 18, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628144119/http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200808/870/|archive-date=June 28, 2009}}</ref> Hard Rock Park recorded only 370,000 guests during the 2008 season.<ref name="n126657215">{{Cite news |last=Cherney |first=Mike |date=2009-05-24 |title=Freestyle rolls out smooth opener |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-hard-rock-park/126657359/ 6] |work=Sun-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-freestyle-rolls-out-smooth-open/126657215/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref>
===2008–2009: Early closure, bankruptcy and new owners=== In September 2008, Africa Israel Investments decided to write off its entire $10 million investment in the park "due to liquidity difficulties the park is experiencing".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/sep/08/hard_rock_park_loses_an_investor53342/ |title=Hard Rock Park Loses an Investor |date=September 8, 2008 |work=The Post and Courier |access-date=May 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113143238/http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/sep/08/hard_rock_park_loses_an_investor53342/ |archive-date=November 13, 2008 }}</ref> Hard Rock Park then announced that they were ending the 2008 season over a month early, laying off most of the employees, and had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At the time of the filing, the park expressed hopes of reopening in 2009;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2008-09-25-hard-rock-park-bankruptcy_N.htm |title=Hard Rock Park in SC files Chapter 11 bankruptcy |date=September 25, 2008 |work=USA Today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409150443/http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2008-09-25-hard-rock-park-bankruptcy_N.htm |archive-date=April 9, 2009 }}</ref> the following month the company announced plans to sell the park. In January 2009, the company converted to Chapter 7.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=241875|title=Ride Over for Hard Rock Park|date=January 2, 2009|work=WPDE|access-date=February 19, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105165909/http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=241875|archive-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref>
In February 2009, the Delaware bankruptcy court declined to force an auction and approved the sale of the park to FPI MB Entertainment (FPI) for $25 million.<ref name="sale">{{cite news |last=Fleisher |first=Lisa |date=February 18, 2009 |title=Judge clears sale of Hard Rock Park |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-park/126657631/ 8] |work=The Sun News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-judge-clears-sale-of-hard-rock/126657573/ |access-date=2023-06-18}} </ref> FPI MB Entertainment was a joint venture of FPI US LLC, a company incorporated in Delaware, and MB Entertainment.<ref name=US/> The partners included Roundbox Advisors, Freestyle Park International, Baker Leisure Group, and two of the park's original owners, Thomas M. Hiles and D. Tim Duncan. Baker Leisure Group managed the day-to-day park operations.<ref name="sale"/> FPI had to completely re-skin and overhaul the park to comply with court rulings.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2009/10/01/freestyle-music-park-gets-off-to-rocky-start/|title=Freestyle Music Park Gets Off to Rocky Start|last=Cohen|first=Melanie|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 1, 2009|access-date=February 18, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006092219/http://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2009/10/01/freestyle-music-park-gets-off-to-rocky-start/|archive-date=October 6, 2009}}</ref>
On April 2, 2009, the new owners announced that the Hard Rock name would be dropped. While Hard Rock International had been willing to continue use of the name if conditions could be met, the owners felt that changing the name would give the park a more positive image since the old name was connected with the bankruptcy; also, the "Hard Rock" name was not considered family-oriented. Because of the name change, the bankruptcy court required all Hard Rock souvenirs to be destroyed. Later that month, FPI unveiled a new name for the park: Freestyle Music Park, stating that it would pay homage to a variety of musical genres, including rock n' roll, country, reggae, beach music, pop, R&B, alternative, Christian, disco, and rap.<ref name="foster" /> The name does not refer to the Latin music genre, according to sales and marketing director John Stine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/876823.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816095641/http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/876823.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |title=Park Name a Music Style, but up for Interpretation |last=Cherney|first=Mike |date=April 26, 2009 |work=The Sun News |access-date=April 27, 2009}}</ref>
In May 2009, HRP Creative Services Co. wanted to make certain attractions separate from the park the new owners planned, with former park CEO Steven Goodwin wanting the new owners to pay royalties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/892802.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816095714/http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/892802.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |title= Hard Rock Park Ideas See New Plans |last=Cherney|first=Mike |date=May 9, 2009 |work=The Sun News |access-date=May 9, 2009}}</ref> However, a Delaware federal judge said on March 30 that some of the previous owners still owned intellectual property rights relating to the original theme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/142/story/845915.html |title=Theme park Scraps Hard Rock |last=Cherney|first=Mike |date=April 3, 2009|work=The Sun News|access-date=April 4, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The original owners then sued FPI, claiming they had not done enough to change the park, and that the new owners were using intellectual property that was not theirs. This action threatened to delay the reopening.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/907059.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816095710/http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/907059.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |title= Hard Rock Park Creators File Suit |last=Cherney|first=Mike |date=May 20, 2009 |work=The Sun News |access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref>
On June 22, 2009, the county planning commission agreed to change the name of Hard Rock Parkway to Fantasy Harbour Boulevard. FPI agreed to pay part of the cost for new signs. Businesses located on the road would have to pay their own expenses as the road, once called Outlet Boulevard, received its second name change in two years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/949938.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816095711/http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/949938.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |title= Freestyle Paying to Rename Parkway |last=Cherney |first=Mike |date=June 23, 2009 |work=The Sun News|access-date=June 23, 2009}}</ref> By mid-September, five of the seven signs on the street itself had been changed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/142/story/1065679.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816095649/http://www.thesunnews.com/142/story/1065679.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |title= Hard Rock Parkway fades into the past |last=Newton |first=Monique |date=September 13, 2009 |work=The Sun News|access-date=September 14, 2009}}</ref>
===2009 season: Freestyle Music Park=== The park reopened on May 23, 2009,<ref name="n126657215" /> with adult admission reduced to $39.95 ($29.95 for children) and annual passes to $64.95 ($39.95 for children).<ref name="younger"/><ref name="opener"/> Additionally, the park offered three separate promotions during the 2009 summer season: $10 off for South Carolina residents, $17.76 for two admission tickets before 4 p.m. and $17.76 per admission ticket after 4 p.m.<ref name="n126656385">{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=Monique |date=2009-08-24 |title=Freestyle bruised but not beaten |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-freestyle/126656501/ 6] |work=Sun-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-freestyle-bruised-but-not-beate/126656385/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> As a result of these discounts, the park also made less money than anticipated. By August, the price for two admission tickets had been raised to $19.95.<ref name="n126656385" />
Aside from the renaming of the overall park, sections of the park also got new names; "Myrtle's Beach" (previously "Rock 'N' Roll Heaven") became a "tongue-in-cheek celebration of all things Polynesian," "Born in the USA" became "Kids in America," "British Invasion" became "Across the Pond," and "Cool Country" became "Country USA." The entrance changed names from "All Access Entry Plaza" to "VIP Plaza". FPI also introduced Kids in America, a {{convert|17000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} children's section with four rides named after hit songs purchased from Zamperla of Italy. The rides are named "Get Off My Cloud," "Fly Like an Eagle," "Wheels in the Sky" and "Life Is a Highway."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/871618.html |title=Kids' Romp Area Revealed at Freestyle Music Park|last=Cherney|first=Mike |date=April 23, 2009|work=The Sun News|access-date=April 25, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> "CSI: Live", previously performed at Six Flags Magic Mountain near Los Angeles, was added to the park and was based on the ''CSI'' TV series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/900779.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816095645/http://www.thesunnews.com/business/story/900779.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |title= Freestyle Music Park Unveils Last 2 Shows|last=Cherney |first=Mike |date=May 15, 2009 |work=The Sun News|access-date=May 15, 2009}}</ref>
As the park prepared to close at the end of the summer, FPI President Steve Baker said, "Overall, I'm real happy," and that "we're doing our best, and we're here to stay."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1034939.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816095626/http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1034939.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 16, 2013|title=Freestyle Music Park: How is it doing?|first=Monique|last=Newton|work=The Sun News|date=August 24, 2009|access-date=August 24, 2009}}</ref> Baker made these comments despite the fact that the economy and the park's past problems contributed to a less than spectacular first season. Many amusement parks were also having difficulties, said David Mandt of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.<ref name="n126656385" /> Dennis Spiegel, the consultant, said, "It's probably the largest catastrophe in our industry. Quite frankly the park shouldn't reopen." He said for the price FPI paid, they should have been able to make the park succeed. Spiegel said the park was too far from the beach.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/03/30/1395175/freestyle-opening-hinges-on-investors.html|title=Freestyle Music Park opening hinges on investors|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=March 30, 2010|access-date=March 30, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006162343/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/03/30/1395175/freestyle-opening-hinges-on-investors.html|archive-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref> The park refused to disclose its attendance numbers for the 2009 season, although officials said admission was less than they had projected.<ref name="n126656385" />
===Summer 2009–Winter 2016: Further problems and permanent closure=== Throughout the season, a series of lawsuits were filed against the park, adding to the park's woes. The lawsuits were filed by Brandon Advertising (for $1.4 million) on August 5, 2009, and Roundbox Advisors LLC (for $360,000) on August 17, 2009.<ref name="n126656385" /> Baker explained that FPI MB would pay both creditors, saying that Freestyle Park had fewer problems than Hard Rock Park, but people were assuming the difficulties would continue, meaning that they were less patient. Tetra Financial Group also filed a lawsuit in September for lease payments, taxes and fees.<ref name=Tetra/> In October 2009, FPI announced that they had lined up some new investors to help the park pay its debts. They signed a memorandum of understanding with the investors.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1120406.html |title=Freestyle Music Park says it's lined up investors |first=Monique|last=Newton|work=The Sun News|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 27, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
The agreement to purchase Hard Rock Park included paying $570,000 owed by the former park owners. In January 2010, the attorney for Hard Rock Park's trustee allowed an extension on that payment as the park searched for new investors. Court documents said the economic situation caused difficulties in making the payments. The park laid off 30 employees early in January 2010.
In February 2010, FPI attorney Tobey Daluz announced that the park would not open in March 2010 as planned. She said when or if the park opened depended on actions of investors who have not been identified.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1300556.html?storylink=mirelated|title=Freestyle Music Park to close offices, lay off workers until deal made with new investors|work=The Sun News|date=February 6, 2010|access-date=February 18, 2010}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1318927.html|title=Freestyle Music Park won't open on schedule; needs investors|last=Saldinger|first=Adva|work=The Sun News|date=February 16, 2010|access-date=February 18, 2010}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On March 29, 2010, lawyer David Slough said the park would not reopen unless investors allowed FPI to pay Hard Rock Park's debt by the deadline of April 1, 2010. He would not say how close investors were to a deal. On April 1, 2010, Slough said, "Currently, the park has no ability to make the payment." Foreclosure and even bankruptcy are now possibilities, but the park could still find investors and reopen, according to attorney Allen Jeffcoat.<ref name=april2>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/04/02/1400058/park-misses-deadline.html|title=Freestyle Music Park misses deadline|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=April 2, 2010|access-date=April 2, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913004746/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/04/02/1400058/park-misses-deadline.html|archive-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref> Court documents filed April 13, 2010, in federal bankruptcy court in Delaware say a court ruling will create a lien; the next step will likely be a Horry County court action leading to the park's sale.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/04/15/1421892/freestyle-creditors-close-in.html|title=Freestyle Music Park creditors close in|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=April 15, 2010|access-date=April 15, 2010}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On June 29, 2010, a federal court awarded Tetra $14 million after Freestyle failed to answer the lawsuit. On June 30, 2010, Baker said the park was "aggressively" seeking new investors. Jeffcoat, who had no connection to the case, said Tetra would only be repaid after other creditors who already had claims.<ref name=Tetra>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/07/01/1563573/court-rules-against-park.html|title=Court rules against Freestyle Music Park|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=July 1, 2010|access-date=July 1, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101081348/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/07/01/1563573/court-rules-against-park.html|archive-date=January 1, 2011}}</ref>
On August 9, 2010, foreclosure proceedings were filed against Freestyle Music Park.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=12976609|title=Freestyle begins foreclosure proceedings|last=Summer|first=Jake|work=WMBF|date=August 13, 2010|access-date=August 13, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303012148/http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=12976609|archive-date=March 3, 2012}}</ref> Mortgage holder FPI US LLC seeks over $25 million from park owner FPI MB Entertainment LLC. Loan documents identified the general manager of FPI US LLC as Alexey (Alexei in most documents) Sidnev; Sidnev was a former partner in Moscow-based MT Development, an investor in Freestyle Park that had planned a similar park in Europe. Court filings showed FPI US LLC is a division of MT Development.<ref name=US>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/08/22/1649113/consultant-time-to-bury-freestyle.html|title=Consultant: 'Time to bury' Freestyle Music Park in Myrtle Beach area|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=August 23, 2010|access-date=August 23, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101081505/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/08/22/1649113/consultant-time-to-bury-freestyle.html|archive-date=January 1, 2011}}</ref> On August 20, FPI MB Entertainment responded to the foreclosure action, admitting the amount of debt is correct and that it cannot pay.<ref name=resign/> Four out of five creditors responding to the foreclosure claimed FPI US and FPI MB were the same company and that FPI US should not have first claim to park assets. FPI MB attorney Nate Fata denied this.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/09/18/1700630/freestyle-creditors-cry-fraud.html|title=Freestyle Music Park creditors cry fraud, fight back|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=September 18, 2010|access-date=September 18, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912005130/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/09/18/1700630/freestyle-creditors-cry-fraud.html|archive-date=September 12, 2012}}</ref> In an August 24, 2010, interview, Baker said the park's entire board had resigned, except for one member appointed by Russian investors who would work to sell the park. Baker, who continued to head Baker Leisure Group, believed the park could succeed under new owners.<ref name=resign>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/08/25/1653891/freestyle-board-resigns.html|title=Freestyle Music Park board resigns|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=August 25, 2010|access-date=August 25, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101081424/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/08/25/1653891/freestyle-board-resigns.html|archive-date=January 1, 2011}}</ref>
VenCore Solutions, which leased items such as radios and shelves to Hard Rock Park, continued its agreement with Freestyle Park. On September 8, VenCore, claiming FPI MB owes the company over $1 million was granted the right to repossess the property.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/09/17/1699552/court-gives-go-ahead-to-repossess.html|title=Court gives go-ahead to repossess Freestyle Music Park property|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=September 17, 2010|access-date=September 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101081631/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/09/17/1699552/court-gives-go-ahead-to-repossess.html|archive-date=January 1, 2011}}</ref> FPI MB stated in a letter that VenCore was correct that the property "is currently uninsured and not subject to a hurricane contingency plan."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/09/18/1700629/freestyles-legal-tangle-thickens.html|title=Freestyle Music Park's legal tangle thickens|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=September 18, 2010|access-date=September 18, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204035548/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/09/18/1700629/freestyles-legal-tangle-thickens.html|archive-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref>
In December 2011, FPI US which received the property in an August foreclosure auction, filed papers showing it had mortgaged the property for $20 million, money that the company's attorney said was needed for maintenance and other expenses until a sale. Land for a proposed hotel which was never built was later sold in a foreclosure auction on July 2, 2012.<ref name=Auction/>
Three months before the Summer 2012 season, Alain Wizman of Keller Williams, who had been looking for buyers, said Freestyle appeared unlikely to make a return before 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/02/16/2664579/theme-park-in-myrtle-beach-likely.html|title=Theme park in Myrtle Beach likely won't reopen for this summer|last=Bryant|first=Dawn|work=The Sun News|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=February 16, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219051528/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/02/16/2664579/theme-park-in-myrtle-beach-likely.html|archive-date=February 19, 2012}}</ref> However, on April 18, 2013, local Myrtle Beach newspaper ''My Horry News'' reported that local Christian nonprofit arts group Abiding Village launched a campaign to generate enough money to buy the former park minus the rides for $10 million and convert the old park into an education and entertainment complex. An official with Freestyle gave the group three weeks to come up with the resources to purchase the land and buildings, according to Abiding Village officials.<ref>{{cite web|title=Myrtle Beach area nonprofit trying to buy Freestyle park|date=April 18, 2013 |url=http://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/horry_county/article_cee1a70a-a875-11e2-8fa2-001a4bcf6878.html|publisher=My Horry News|access-date=April 18, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Byers|first=Melissa|title=Freestyle Music Park could become Christian Education Center|url=http://www.thedigitel.com/s/myrtle-beach/news-business-arts-culture/freestyle-music-park-could-become-christian-130419-47544|publisher=The Digitel Myrtle Beach|access-date=April 29, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513014525/http://www.thedigitel.com/s/myrtle-beach/news-business-arts-culture/freestyle-music-park-could-become-christian-130419-47544|archive-date=May 13, 2013}}</ref> On May 7 it was announced via ''The Sun News'' that with 5 days left Abiding Village had raised only $1 million of the $10 million goal.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bryant|first=Dawn|title=Group way short of $10 million goal to buy former Freestyle Music Park as deadline approaches.|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/05/07/3475643/group-way-short-of-10-million.html#storylink=cpy|access-date=May 15, 2013|newspaper=The Sun News|date=May 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510004714/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/05/07/3475643/group-way-short-of-10-million.html#storylink=cpy|archive-date=May 10, 2013}}</ref> On May 13, WBTW and WMBF-TV reported the Abiding Village would not call the old theme park home. The group held a yard sale on May 12, 2013, and later that evening the group's website listed the total as $155,789.82. Abiding Village reps said that they were hopeful that they would still be able to buy the land in the future.<ref>{{cite web|last=Riggs|first=Kelsey|title=Raising $10M in 3 weeks too tough for Abiding Village|url=http://www.wbtw.com/story/22227817/raising-10m-in-3-weeks-too-tough-for-abiding-village|publisher=WBTW|access-date=May 15, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203052231/http://www.wbtw.com/story/22227817/raising-10m-in-3-weeks-too-tough-for-abiding-village|archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Erika|title=No deal reached for purchase of Freestyle Music Park|date=May 13, 2013 |url=http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/22236717/no-deal-reached-for-purchase-of-freestyle-music-park|publisher=WMBF-TV|access-date=May 15, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623052744/http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/22236717/no-deal-reached-for-purchase-of-freestyle-music-park|archive-date=June 23, 2013}}</ref>
Martin Durham, the park's former vice president for entertainment, said many factors led to the park's demise, but the biggest culprit was the recession that hit right as it opened.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rides listed for sale from former Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach|url=http://www.wbtw.com/story/23947454/rides-listed-for-sale-from-former-hard-rock-park-in-myrtle-beach|publisher=WBTW|access-date=November 13, 2013|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113034002/http://www.wbtw.com/story/23947454/rides-listed-for-sale-from-former-hard-rock-park-in-myrtle-beach|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Joel|first=Allen|title=Former Hard Rock Park roller coasters for sale|url=http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=970467#.UoLXZOLhezd|publisher=WPDE|access-date=November 13, 2013|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112214927/http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=970467#.UoLXZOLhezd|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bryant|first=Dawn|title=Rides at former Freestyle Music Park listed for sale|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/11/12/3833305/rides-at-former-freestyle-music.html|access-date=November 12, 2013|newspaper=The Sun News|date=November 12, 2013|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113055809/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/11/12/3833305/rides-at-former-freestyle-music.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On November 12, 2013, local media reported that Freestyle Music Park was trying to sell off many of the rides from the venture. This was despite earlier rumors that Baker had plans to move the Freestyle rides to a park he planned to open in Orlando, Florida.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/11/14/1809723/freestyle-rides-to-stay-put.html|title=Freestyle Music Park rides to stay put|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=November 14, 2010|access-date=November 23, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204031915/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/11/14/1809723/freestyle-rides-to-stay-put.html|archive-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref> Dozens of the rides were listed for sale with Nashville-based Ital International; exceptions were the Wave Swinger and Balloon Race, previously sold to Seabreeze Amusement Park.<ref name=Seabreeze /><ref name=Seabreeze2 /> On December 20, 2013, ''The Sun News'' reported that the 13-acre Family Kingdom Amusement Park had purchased The Magic Bikes and Jump Around Dunebuggies, two interactive family rides which were the right size for the park.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bryant|first=Dawn|title=Some Freestyle rides find new home in Myrtle Beach|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/12/20/3914925/some-freestyle-rides-find-new.html|access-date=December 25, 2013|newspaper=The Sun News|date=December 20, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226074550/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/12/20/3914925/some-freestyle-rides-find-new.html|archive-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref> In late July 2014, dismantling and removal of the other rides began.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/freestyle_music_park.htm|title=Freestyle Music Park|website=www.screamscape.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808060608/http://www.screamscape.com/html/freestyle_music_park.htm|archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref> As of August 11, 2014, Ital International no longer listed the rides, and it was reported that other rides were being shipped out of the US, possibly to Vietnam. Being taken down was the roller coaster known as The Eagles' Life In The Fast Lane. Other rides from the park already had been sold.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Steve|title=Freestyle rides headed from Myrtle Beach to Vietnam?|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/08/11/4406797/freestyle-rides-headed-to-vietnam.html?sp=/99/209/&ihp=1|publisher=The Sun News|access-date=August 11, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205303/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/08/11/4406797/freestyle-rides-headed-to-vietnam.html?sp=%2F99%2F209%2F&ihp=1|archive-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Allen|first1=Joel|title=Destination unknown for dismantled Freestyle park rides|url=http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=1082054#.U-lGqmPonfY|publisher=WPDE|access-date=August 11, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090607/http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=1082054#.U-lGqmPonfY|archive-date=August 19, 2014}}</ref> As of February 2015, all of the rides had been dismantled. They were reassembled in Asia Park in Da Nang, Vietnam with the exception of the Led Zeppelin/Time Machine, Maximum RPM!/Round About, and Slippery When Wet/Soakd’ coasters (They were set up, but never operated and were dismantled in 2017). The track has appeared in Ha Long, Vietnam at a new park called Dragon Park Ha Long. Both parks have the same owner. The ride opened in 2017 under the name Dragon's Run.
On February 20, 2014, ''The Sun News'' reported that Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament bought roughly four acres of the park which it used prior to 2008 for its horses to exercise and graze.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Dawn|title=Former Freestyle Music Park property to be used for Medieval Times horses to exercise|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/02/20/4041019/former-freestyle-music-park-property.html|publisher=The Sun News|access-date=February 20, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226024848/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/02/20/4041019/former-freestyle-music-park-property.html|archive-date=February 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Horry County Council Regular Meeting 2/18/2014|url=http://horrycounty.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=horrycounty_cbedfd643013ced13c9b69b93f226054.pdf&view=1|publisher=Horry County Council|access-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref>
Area government officials visited China in February 2016 and reported that investors had plans for a $100 million development on the site.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/business/article62936662.html|title=Chinese investors eyeing former Hard Rock theme park site|last=Perry|first=Charles D.|date=February 29, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301100348/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/business/article62936662.html|archive-date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
===Sale of former park property=== On January 1, 2019, it was reported that the former Hard Rock/Freestyle Music Park property of approximately 125.14 acres as well as several other parcels was sold by FPI US LLC. to FTPP Bishop Parkway LLC for $3,545,000.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Herring |first1=Brandon |title=Land of former Myrtle Beach area music park sold for $3.5 million |url=https://www.wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/former-myrtle-beach-area-music-park-sold-for-35-million/1697808428 |publisher=WBTW |access-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112044342/https://www.wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/former-myrtle-beach-area-music-park-sold-for-35-million/1697808428 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gale |first1=Heather |title=Former Freestyle Music Park land sold to Myrtle Beach company run by attorney |date=January 11, 2019 |url=https://wpde.com/news/local/former-freestyle-music-park-land-sold-to-myrtle-beach-company-run-by-attorney |publisher=WPDE-TV |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Doria |first1=Nick |title=Former Freestyle Music Park sold |url=http://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/01/11/former-freestyle-music-park-sold/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Tyler |title=What to do with Freestyle Park? The unused lot finds new owner |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article224296630.html |publisher=The Sun News |access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SC Secretary of State Entity Profile: FTPP Bishop Parkway LLC |url=https://businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/Entity/Profile/1db7dea0-458f-469c-88ff-266c7fa4fbd4 |publisher=Secretary of State of South Carolina |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> Former Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes had repurchased the old park property a few days prior, on December 28, 2018, although Rhodes's involvement was not reported until late February 2019. Rhodes said that he was not sure of what he wanted to do with the property, saying that only that any development would take advantage of the waterway and that "it will not be another theme park." Rhodes applied for demolition permits but did say some buildings might remain.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article226801789.html|title='It will not be another theme park': Former Myrtle Beach Mayor bought Freestyle Park site|last=Fleming|first=Tyler|work=The Sun News|date=February 26, 2019|access-date=February 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Elizabeth |title='It won't be another amusement park:' Former mayor buys Freestyle Park |date=February 26, 2019 |url=https://wpde.com/news/local/it-wont-be-another-amusement-park-former-mayor-buys-freestyle-park |publisher=WPDE |access-date=February 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Blomquist |first1=Rob |title=Former MB Mayor John Rhodes buys Freestyle Music Park Property |url=http://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/02/26/former-mb-mayor-john-rhodes-buys-freestyle-music-park-property/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=February 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Charles |title=Former Myrtle Beach mayor part of company that bought music park land |date=February 26, 2019 |url=https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/myrtle_beach/former-myrtle-beach-mayor-part-of-company-that-bought-music/article_0f33b776-39ed-11e9-bc44-c7d4f738f06a.html |publisher=My Horry News |access-date=February 26, 2019}}</ref>
Rhodes, managing partner of the new ownership group, stated on April 6, 2019, that he did not have any immediate plans for the property, and that he was not against selling the property undeveloped. Rhodes stated that he was in no rush to develop the property as there might be others who wanted it more than he did. He did state that he had some ideas for the property, but that he had to find out from his contractor if any of his ideas would work with the existing buildings.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Blondin |first1=Alan |title=There's no rush': A look at the former Hard Rock and Freestyle amusement parks |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article227345089.html |publisher=The Sun News |access-date=April 8, 2019 |date=April 6, 2019}}</ref>
===Suspicious fires=== On February 17, 2019, fire officials were called just before midnight to the former Hard Rock/Freestyle Music Park for a three-alarm fire. By about 3:00 a.m., the fire was out and investigators were working the scene. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known, but was later deemed suspicious by fire investigators and local police.<ref>{{cite web |title=Crews battle fire at the former Freestyle Music Park |date=February 18, 2019 |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/02/18/crews-battle-fire-former-freestyle-music-park/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HCFR, HCPD investigates fire at former Freestyle Music Park as 'suspicious' |date=February 26, 2019 |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/02/26/hcfr-hcpd-investigates-fire-former-freestyle-music-park-suspicious/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rivas |first1=Briana |title=HCFR: Fire at former Hard Rock Park deemed 'suspicious' |date=February 26, 2019 |url=https://wpde.com/news/local/hcfr-fire-at-former-hard-rock-park-deemed-suspicious |publisher=WPDE-TV |access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref>
On June 30, 2019, a debris/structure fire broke out at the former amusement park. A preliminary investigation by fire officials indicates that the two separate fires were not "of an accidental ignition." A witness told police that they saw smoke coming from the park and a group of people leaving the site. They were able to provide police with a license plate number, but no arrests in connection to the case have been made. Local police continue to investigate.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lang |first1=Alex |title=Police say fire at old Myrtle Beach area music park is being investigated as arson |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/crime/article232160407.html |publisher=The Sun News |access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Horry County police, fire respond to report of arson at former music park |date=July 2019 |url=https://www.wbtw.com/crime/grand-strand-crime/horry-county-police-fire-respond-to-report-of-arson-at-former-music-park/ |publisher=WBTW |access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Arson investigation underway at former Freestyle Music Park |date=July 2019 |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/07/01/arson-investigation-underway-former-freestyle-music-park/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=July 2, 2019}}</ref>
On September 6, 2019, at 5:20 a.m., fire officials responded to a reported commercial structure fire, located in the ticketing area near a former park entrance. Flames were visible upon arrival, but the fire was under control within about 30 minutes, with no reported injuries. There are no indications that the fire was suspicious, and the investigation is ongoing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fire at former Freestyle Music Park under investigation |date=September 6, 2019 |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/09/06/fire-former-freestyle-music-park-under-investigation/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=September 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title="Flames were visible upon arrival": HCFR crews respond to former Hard Rock Park |date=September 6, 2019 |url=https://www.wbtw.com/news/flames-were-visible-upon-arrival-hcfr-crews-respond-to-former-hard-rock-park/ |publisher=WBTW |access-date=September 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Strong |first1=Hannah |title=Fire breaks out at old ticket booth at former Hard Rock Park, officials say |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article234783292.html |publisher=The Sun News |access-date=September 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Fire at former Freestyle Park still under investigation |date=September 6, 2019 |url=https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/fire-at-former-freestyle-park-still-under-investigation/article_159cfd00-d0f3-11e9-a761-6f044990dd32.html |publisher=My Horry News |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref>
===Redevelopment=== On October 10, 2019, it was reported that Horry County received a rezoning application in which the property owner is requesting an update to the Planned Development District and to allow for additional uses on a portion of the site. The 112 acre property is currently zoned for only theme park use and possible uses for the property were to be presented during a planning and zoning workshop on November 7, where leaders would decide on what possible uses will be permitted at the former amusement park. The owner of the land confirmed the future development of the property will not include an amusement park.<ref>{{cite web |title=Document outlines possible uses for former Freestyle Music Park site |date=October 10, 2019 |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/10/10/document-outlines-possible-uses-former-freestyle-music-park-site/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=October 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Tyler |title=Changes are on the horizon for former Myrtle Beach area theme park site |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article235987153.html |publisher=The Sun News |access-date=October 10, 2019}}</ref>
On June 24, 2021, it was announced that any chance of the former park site being redeveloped into an amusement area would all but disappear if Horry County officials approved a land use change request for the property. It was expected that the county planning commission would make a recommendation to expand the distribution district on the site to 125 acres, which would eliminate most of the amusement uses at what is now a former $400 million theme park. If the land change was approved, then 27 types of businesses would be allowed on the property ranging from vehicle and equipment maintenance to RV and boat storage or even wholesale and distribution.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Charles |title=Former Hard Rock Park site expected to become distribution hub |url=https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/horry_county/former-hard-rock-park-land-to-become-distribution-hub/article_3fcedbd2-d526-11eb-bccc-5381fb041045.html |publisher=My Horry News |access-date=June 25, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilcox |first1=Zach |title=Proposed rezoning for former Freestyle Music Park aims to attract new businesses |date=June 25, 2021 |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2021/06/25/proposed-rezoning-former-freestyle-music-park-aims-attract-new-businesses/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=June 26, 2021}}</ref>
On July 9, 2021, it was announced that the following night the Horry County planning commission would approve the expansion of the Planned Development District, but that Horry County council would still need to approve the next step before the project could move forward. There are more than 30 possible uses, but an exact use had not been decided, though the developer indicated willingness to use it for a small packaging site or even using it for something transportation related.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trampf |first1=Emily |title=Change could be coming to Fantasy Harbour area in Horry County |date=July 9, 2021 |url=https://wpde.com/news/local/change-could-be-coming-to-fantasy-harbour-area-in-horry-county |publisher=WPDE-TV |access-date=July 9, 2021}}</ref>
On February 1, 2022, it was reported that a permit application for a FedEx distribution facility at the site of the former parks was being reviewed by Horry County government officials. A commercial permit application for an approximately 250,000-square-foot facility was filed the previous month and followed a stormwater permit application for part of the property that was filed in December on behalf of Beach Ford RV.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Farhat |first1=Jenna |title=Former site of Myrtle Beach-area amusement park could become home to FedEx building |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article257969453.html |work=The Sun News |access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Former Freestyle Music Park property could become FedEx facility, land records show |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2022/02/02/former-freestyle-music-park-property-could-soon-become-fedex-facility-land-records-show/ |work=WMBF-TV |date=February 1, 2022|access-date=February 1, 2022}}</ref> On October 4, 2022, it was announced that FedEx is planning to invest nearly $64 million investment on the property that was once the theme park. In return for the investment FedEx would get a deduction in its property tax rate, only paying on 6% of its assessed value rather than 10.5% for the next 20 years, according to an agreement that was released by county officials on October 4.<ref>{{cite news|last=Benson |first=Adam |title=FedEx to make $64M investment at former Hard Rock Park site in Horry County|url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/business/article266825461.html#storylink=mainstage_card4|work=The Sun News|date=October 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Accettulla |first1=Kevin |title=FedEx makes $64M investment in Fantasy Harbour area of Horry County |date=October 6, 2022 |url=https://www.wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/horry-county/fedex-makes-64m-investment-in-fantasy-harbour-area-of-horry-county/ |publisher=WBTW |access-date=October 7, 2022}}</ref>
==Former attractions==
===Roller coasters=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col" style="width:30%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" colspan="2" | Hard Rock Park !! scope="col" colspan="2" style="width:30%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Freestyle Music Park !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:15%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Manufacturer !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:15%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Type !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#666;color:#FFF;width:10%" | Status !! rowspan="2" scope="col" class="unsortable" style="background-color:#666;color:#FFF;width:5%" | Ref(s) |- ! scope="col" style="width:17%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Name !! scope="col" style="width:13%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Area !! scope="col" style="width:17%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Name !! scope="col" style="width:13%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Area |- | ''Eagles Life in the Fast Lane'' || Cool Country || ''Iron Horse'' || Country USA || Vekoma || Mine Train roller coaster || Relocated to Sun World Danang Wonders || style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Iron Horse|location=Freestyle Music Park|rcdb_number=3854|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | A mine train roller coaster that would take riders through a creepy abandoned lumber mill. The ride was originally set to be named ''Midnight Rider''; however, the coaster was renamed after it was announced that the soundtrack would be set to Eagles, and named for their 1977 hit song. |- | ''Led Zeppelin: The Ride'' || Rock & Roll Heaven || ''Time Machine'' || Myrtle's Beach || Bolliger & Mabillard || Steel roller coaster || Relocated to Dragon Park || style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Time Machine|location=Freestyle Music Park|rcdb_number=3852|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | The ride stood {{convert|150|ft|m}} tall, and had a top speed of {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Other features included six inversions, a spiral over the existing lagoon, and an on-ride video system. When originally operating as Led Zeppelin – The Ride, guests were treated to a unique multimedia Led Zeppelin live-concert experience during the pre-show. The ride was most notable for active participation of surviving Led Zeppelin band members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, who contributed to all aspects of the ride, including the ride name, logo and overall look and feel of the vehicles.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071025094835/http://www.led-zeppelin.com/news/hardrock_coaster.html Led Zeppelin – NEWS – www.led-zeppelin.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The Led Zeppelin properties were licensed from {{nowrap|C + P Eighty-Six Ltd}}. Under Freestyle Music Park, the ride was set to the music of the 1960s to the 2000s. |- | ''Maximum RPM!'' || British Invasion || ''Round About'' || Across the Pond || Premier Rides || Steel roller coaster || Relocated to Sun World Danang Wonders || style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Round About|location=Freestyle Music Park|rcdb_number=3853|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | A convertible car-coaster that races to 1980s hits, particularly Gary Numan's "Cars". Riders go for a test drive through a mock factory in British sports cars. The coaster features a first-of-its-kind ferris wheel lift hill, where the coaster trains are rolled from the bottom of the track onto a ferris wheel-like contraption and then pushed off at the top into a high speed adventure. The ride building somewhat resembles Battersea Power Station with an inflatable pig, in reference to the cover of Pink Floyd's ''Animals'' album. Automaker BMW sued the park in 2010 over the similarity of the attraction's ride vehicle to the plaintiff's Mini Cooper.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} Never operated at its new home until it was dismantled later around 2017. |- | ''Shake, Rattle & Rollercoaster'' || Born in the USA || ''Hang Ten'' || Kids in America || Vekoma || Junior roller coaster || Relocated to Sun World Danang Wonders || style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Hang Ten|location=Freestyle Music Park|rcdb_number=3870|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | A classic boardwalk-themed kiddie roller coaster. |- | ''Slippery When Wet'' || Born in the USA || ''Soak'd'' || Kids in America || Premier Rides || Suspended roller coaster || Relocated to Sun World Danang Wonders || style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Soak'd|location=Freestyle Music Park|rcdb_number=3809|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | A suspended roller coaster that featured an interactive experience permitting non-riders to fire water cannons as the roller coaster trains passed by, at the risk of themselves being drenched by overhead showers that fired at random. Like Maximum RPM!, it never operated at its new home and was later dismantled around 2017. |}
===Other attractions=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col" style="width:30%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" colspan="2" | Hard Rock Park !! scope="col" colspan="2" style="width:30%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Freestyle Music Park !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:15%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Manufacturer !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:15%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Type !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#666;color:#FFF;width:10%" | Status !! rowspan="2" scope="col" class="unsortable" style="background-color:#666;color:#FFF;width:5%" | Ref(s) |- ! scope="col" style="width:17%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Name !! scope="col" style="width:13%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Area !! scope="col" style="width:17%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Name !! scope="col" style="width:13%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Area |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''All the King's Horses Carousel'' || British Invasion || ''Carnaby Carousel'' || Across the Pond || Chance Rides || Grand Carousel || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Chance Freestyle Grand carousel|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1792|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610213123/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1792|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Garage Jam'' || Lost in the 70s || ''Grunge Station'' || Across the Pond || Prime Interactives || Ball play area || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Freestyle air guns battle zone|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1805|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610221732/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1805|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Games'' || Lost in the 70s || ''Ring My Bell'' || Across the Pond || || Upcharge attraction || Closed || |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Just a Swingin''' || Cool Country || ''The Texas Swing'' || Country USA || Bertazzon || Wave Swinger || Relocating to Seabreeze Amusement Park || <ref name=Seabreeze>{{cite web|title=Balloon Race & Wave Swinger|url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151675575380672.1073741832.113188455671&type=1&comment_id=27469001&offset=0&total_comments=23|publisher=Facebook|access-date=November 18, 2013|author=Seabreeze Amusement Park|date=November 5, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116113856/https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151675575380672.1073741832.113188455671&type=1&comment_id=27469001&offset=0&total_comments=23|archive-date=January 16, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Seabreeze2>{{cite web|title=It's official! We're adding two new...|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151675584115672&id=113188455671|publisher=Facebook|access-date=November 18, 2013|author=Seabreeze Amusement Park|date=November 5, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116113856/https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151675584115672&id=113188455671|archive-date=January 16, 2016}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Kids Rock! State Park'' || Born in the USA || ''Fantasy Harbour State Park'' || Kids in America || Rope Courses, Inc. || Ropes course || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Ropetrails inc. Freestyle rope course|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1806|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022702/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1806|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''London Cab Ride'' || British Invasion || ''McGillivray Cab Company'' || Across the Pond || HUSS Park Attractions || Rodeo (London cabs) || Relocated to Sunworld Danang Wonders ||<ref>{{cite web|title=HUSS Freestyle Taxi Rodeo|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1803|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610231825/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1803|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Magic Mushroom Garden'' || British Invasion || ''Faerie Glen'' || Across the Pond || HUSS Park Attractions || Airboat || Relocated to Sunworld Danang Wonders ||<ref>{{cite web|title=HUSS Freestyle Swamp Thing|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1801|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610232450/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1801|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | A Scrambler-style ride featuring the "World's largest blacklight poster."<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://www.thrillnetwork.com/stories_view.php/2219/hard_rock_park__rock.html ThrillNetwork.com :: Hard Rock Park – For those that want to rock<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612210828/http://www.thrillnetwork.com/stories_view.php/2219/hard_rock_park__rock.html |date=June 12, 2008 }}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Muddin' Monster Race'' || Cool Country || ''Big Ol' Trucks'' || Country USA || HUSS Park Attractions || Bee Bee || Relocated to Sunworld Danang Wonders ||<ref>{{cite web|title=HUSS Freestyle Swing Around|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1802|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610222957/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1802|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- | ''Nights in White Satin: The Trip'' || British Invasion || ''Monstars of Rock'' || Across the Pond || Sally Corp. / ETF || Dark ride || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=ETF Freestyle dark ride|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1807|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610222249/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1807|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | Was a dark ride based on The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin". The ride incorporated sights, sounds, smells and tactile effects, onboard ride vehicle audio, a purpose-made movie written to the spoken word section of the song, and a re-orchestrated version of the iconic song by Justin Hayward. Guests entered through a bead curtain and wore chroma-depth 3-D glasses during the ride. Nights was voted in the top three new attractions of 2008 in a themeparkinsider.com annual poll. |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Pinball Wizard Arcade'' || Lost in the 70s || ''Who's Tommy Arcade'' || Across the Pond || || Arcade || Closed || |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''The Punk Pit'' || Born in the USA || ''Jump'' || Across the Pond || || Bounce house || Closed || |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Reggae River Falls'' || Rock & Roll Heaven || ''Polly Nesian's Splash Bash'' || Myrtle's Beach || || Water play area || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Freestyle Soak Zone|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1804|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610232435/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1804|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | ''Sole Train'' || Born in the USA || ''Cuckoo-Ka-ChooChoo'' || Kids in America || Zamperla || Rio Grande || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Zamperla Freestyle Rio Grande Train|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1798|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610210825/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1798|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | colspan="2" {{N/A}} || ''Fly Like An Eagle'' || Kids in America || Zamperla || Kite Flyer || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Zamperla Freestyle Kite Flier|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1799|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610232401/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1799|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | colspan="2" {{N/A}} || ''Get Off Of My Cloud'' || Kids in America || Zamperla || Balloon Race || Relocating to Seabreeze Amusement Park || <ref name=Seabreeze /><ref name=Seabreeze2 /> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | colspan="2" {{N/A}} || ''Kids' Tree House'' || Kids in America || Henderson || Treehouse playground || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Freestyle tree house playgr.|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1808|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610221735/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1808|url-status=dead}}</ref> |-style="border-bottom:3px solid #999;" | colspan="2" {{N/A}} || ''Life Is A Highway'' || Kids in America || Zamperla || Convoy || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|title=Zamperla Freestyle Truckin'|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1800|publisher=Ital International|access-date=November 18, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610215306/http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1800|url-status=dead}}</ref> |}
===Shows=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col" style="width:30%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" colspan="2" | Hard Rock Park !! scope="col" colspan="2" style="width:30%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Freestyle Music Park !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:15%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Manufacturer !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:15%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Type !! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#666;color:#FFF;width:10%" | Status !! rowspan="2" scope="col" class="unsortable" style="background-color:#666;color:#FFF;width:5%" | Ref(s) |- ! scope="col" style="width:17%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Name !! scope="col" style="width:13%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Area !! scope="col" style="width:17%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Name !! scope="col" style="width:13%;background-color:#666;color:#FFF;" | Area |- | ''Bohemian Rhapsody'' || All Access Entry Plaza || ''Kiss the Sky'' || VIP Plaza || || Fireworks and laser show || Closed || |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | ''Bohemian Rhapsody'' was a nighttime show held over the lagoon, set to the classic song by Queen. The show featured fountains, fireworks and a laser-light show displayed from the top of the giant Gibson Guitar icon. The fireworks and lasers returned for ''Kiss the Sky''. |- | ''Ice House Theatre'' || Cool Country || ''Ice Cold Country'' || Country USA || || Ice show || Closed || |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | Originally showed "Country on the Rocks", a rock-themed show set on ice. Freestyle Music Park saw the theatre present an ice show set to country and southern rock music. Situated in a former Fantasy Harbour-era ice skating theater subsumed into the amusement park. |- | ''Live Amphitheater'' || Born in the USA || ''Stars theatre'' || Kids In America || || || Closed || |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | The main stage used for a series of headline acts, specialty musicians, high school bands as well as being the location of the opening-day Eagles/Moody Blues concerts. Bowling for Soup were the first band to play at the venue. |- | ''Malibu Beach Party'' || Rock & Roll Heaven || ''Adrenaline Rush'' || Myrtle's Beach || || || Closed || |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | ''Malibu Beach Party'' was a live-action comedy show set to all the great beach classics and some modern day pop songs. A cast of dancers and swimmers danced, dove, performed stunts on motorcycles and interacted with the crowd in a lakefront/poolside amphitheater. During Freestyle Music Park's operation the stunt show consisted of skateboards, bicycles and rollerblades. |- | ''Origins'' || All Access Entry Plaza || ''Beale Street Theatre'' || VIP Plaza || || Film presentation || Closed || |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | A film presentation showing the history of rock n roll and how it is intertwined with theme parks. |- | ''Phonehenge Stage'' || British Invasion || colspan="2" {{N/A}} || || Performance stage || Demolished || |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | A performance area equipped with red British-style phone boxes arranged to resemble Stonehenge. Featured Fireeater/sword-swallower/juggler Lukas Dudek. |- | ''Roadies Stunt Show'' || British Invasion || ''CSI: Live'' || Across the Pond || || Show || Closed || |- | colspan="8" style="background-color:#FFF;border-bottom:3px solid #999;font-size:90%" | ''Roadies Stunt Show'' was a twist on the popular stunt show concept with rock and roll 'roadies' as characters. This show featured many 'cirque'-type elements and numerous pyrotechnic effects. It was replaced by ''CSI: Live'', based on the TV series. Investigators would try to determine who committed a murder at a magic show, with audience members considered suspects. |}
Flip 5 Live!-Stars Theatre-Kids In America This was "a high energy, interactive show that rocked the house." The 11 characters were named Kira, Kimmy, Dot, Spin, Chase, Bounce, Trip, Jive, Jam, Cali and Zach. They sang original and cover songs from the past and present.
==In media== On October 26, 2010, the book ''Grand Strand'' by former park employee Reid Barwick, became available for purchase online. Many of the details of the fictional "Rocktime Amusement Park" match those of the real story of Hard Rock and Freestyle Music Parks. However, the book contains fraudulent deals which Baker denies took place.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/11/07/1795739/freestyle-book-sure-to-intrigue.html|title=Freestyle Music Park book sure to intrigue|last=Spring|first=Jake|work=The Sun News|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=November 7, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204201051/http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/11/07/1795739/freestyle-book-sure-to-intrigue.html|archive-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref>
The park was used as a set on an episode of the TV series ''Revolution''. Several rides and the park itself was used as the scene of a post-apocalyptic amusement park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2012/10/abandoned-freestylehard-rock-park-on-nbcs-revolution.html|title=Abandoned Freestyle/Hard Rock Amusement Park on NBC's Revolution|access-date=March 18, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715042228/http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2012/10/abandoned-freestylehard-rock-park-on-nbcs-revolution.html|archive-date=July 15, 2014}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist|33em}}
== External links == * {{RCDB|6023}} * [http://www.moderndayruins.com/2012/10/hard-rock-parkfreestyle-music-park.html Freestyle Music Park on Modern Day Ruins] * [http://www.screamscape.com/html/freestyle_music_park.htm Freestyle Music Park on ScreamScape] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090418042436/http://www.coasterimage.com/pictures/hard-rock-park-pictures Hard Rock Park Photo Gallery] * [http://micechat.com/40907-season-pass-podcast-jon-binkowski-hard-rock-park/ 2013 podcast with developer Jon Binkowski]
{{Myrtle Beach}}
Category:Amusement parks in South Carolina Category:Buildings and structures in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Category:2008 establishments in South Carolina Category:Tourist attractions in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Category:Companies that have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008 Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2009 Category:2009 disestablishments in South Carolina Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United States Category:Amusement parks closed in 2009 Category:Amusement parks opened in 2008 Category:Modern ruins in the United States