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Cypress Gardens Reopens Today

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Cypress Gardens is world-renowned for its botanical gardens and topiaries.

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By JENNIFER LEIGH | News Channel 8

Published: March 28, 2009

Updated: 03/28/2009 10:54 am

WINTER HAVEN - Cypress Gardens, the state's first big theme park, reopens today with some big changes.

Gone are the carnival rides and animal attractions.

""It's very difficult to compete with $80 million roller coasters that are less than 40 minutes from the Gardens," General Manager Bill Sims said. Instead, Cypress Gardens focuses on its world-famous plants and topiaries, as well as its brand-new water park.

"With what we have planned with the product, the gardens, the water park, it'll appeal to two totally different markets," Sims said. "We'll grow the water park by adding new features and new rides next year, and we will continue to take and improve and embellish the gardens."

More than 40,000 annuals have been replanted. The famous water ski show will appear today with the electric boat tours resuming operation in the near future. The iconic Southern Belles are back and a number of special events, including flower festivals and concerts, are being scheduled.

Sims, an entertainment industry veteran, leads the new management team. Sims previously worked at Cypress Gardens for park founder Dick Pope Sr., from 1970 to 1985, serving as the park's executive vice president for many of those years.

More than 90 past employees of Cypress Gardens have been hired. Ultimately more than 150 full- and part-time employees will be employed during the peak season.

Current season pass holders will enjoy an extended expiration date to offset the period of time the park was closed, according to a press release. Cypress Gardens annual passes are $39.95 for ages 3 and older with Splash Island Water Park season passes at $49.95 for ages 3 and older. An annual pass that includes the 2009 water park season and 12-month admission to the gardens is available for $69.95 for ages 3 and older.

Daily tickets for Splash Island Water Park are $23.95 for ages 10-59 and $17.95 for children ages 3-9 and seniors 60 and older. Daily Cypress Gardens tickets are $12.95 for ages 10-59 with children and seniors enjoying the low price of $9.95.

Hours for the water park are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on select weekdays and till 6 p.m. on the weekends. Summer hours will be extended.

Cypress Gardens is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. during the week and till 6 .m. on the weekends.

Highlands Today contributed to this report.

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