For the past several months, Western Playland's owner has been moving its rides to its new site in Sunland Park, N.M. The old amusement park at Ascarate Park still exists, but only a few rides remain. At first site, you wouldn't think it will open this year, but Pat Thompson, Western Playland's owner, says it will open its doors May 1.

Meanwhile, the on-going debate between Western Playland's owner and the county of El Paso continues.

"We've already agreed (with the county) that we'll end it (our contract) at the end of this year," Thompson said. "We both agreed on it. They're not paying me to move out, and I'm not going to stay and take care of my contract. We both agreed that this is the best thing for both parties," said Thompson.

However, county officials say the issue has not been settled, but that they are trying to come to a mutual agreement.

"Our options right now are to let him go; let him operate for the rest of his lease; or buy it from him and operate it ourselves," said County Commisioners Dan Haggerty. According to Haggerty, Western Playland's lease is effective until 2014 until an agreement is reached.

However, Thompson told KFOX that the county has already sent him a letter stating that he has to operate at least until the end of this year. He also said the letter gives him 90 days to move his rides out of Ascarate.

Meanwhile, the county attorney's office says that the future of Western Playland at Ascarate Park is still being discussed, and the final decision is pending until an environmental assessment of the land at Ascarate is done.

Western Playland might open in Sunland Park, N.M., in mid-June with about 20 rides. All of them were brought from the old park. The new park sits on more than 60 acres, while the old Western Playland was on 15 acres.