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State's 1st Big Theme Park Plans Spring Reawakening

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: February 25, 2009

Cypress Gardens will reopen March 28 with a new management team led by Bill Sims, who worked at the Winter Haven attraction with founder Dick Pope Sr. and also headed Silver Springs in Ocala and Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill.

The park, known for being Florida's first major tourist attraction, closed in November for renovation after finding expenses for running 38 amusement rides, a zoo, the botanical gardens and the ski show and water park were considerable, the owners said at the time.

When it reopens, it will feature its botanical gardens and Splash Island Water Park, each with separate admission prices. The attraction's animal and ride areas have been permanently closed.

The water ski shows and electric boat tours will also resume operation, and special events including flower festivals and concerts will be announced.

Ticket prices will be reduced up to 40 percent from 2008 prices, when the standard price was $39.95 for adults, the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce reported on its Web site.

Details are expected to be posted at www .cypressgardens.com.

New annual passes will go on sale Sunday. Those with current annual passes will get a four-month extension to compensate for the period the park had been closed, the chamber reported.

Sims said many employees will be contacted in the coming weeks regarding resumption of their duties, the chamber said.

Sims will become the third partner in Cypress Gardens, joining Brian Philpot and Rob Harper, business partners in Mulberry-based Land South Holdings who bought the park for $16.8 million in October 2007.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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