Cypress Gardens closes its doors
World-renown for its botanical gardens, Cypress Gardens first opened its gates on Jan. 2nd, 1936. At that time, it boasted to be the biggest attraction in Florida before its rival Disney opened in 1971.
With over 50 water skiing records, Cypress Gardens became known as the "water ski capital of the world." Producers came from all over to make films at the park including the award-winning "This Cinerama."
For nearly 6 years, Anheuser Busch both bought and operated the park in 1989 until it was later purchased by the parks managers. With the terrorists attacks on the twin towers in September 11, 2001, the park experienced a brief closure with the layoff of over 529 employees.
After sustaining damages from hurricanes Jeanne, Francis and Charley, the park emerged from decline and experienced a renaissance with the added attractions including Triple Hurricane Roller Coaster and Splash Island Water Park in 2005.
But after a long hard struggle for survival, the storied theme park shut down again in the middle of Sept. 2009. Just after 7 months of operation, the current management Land South Holdings LLC announced that it had exhausted every effort to keep the park open.
Hoping to succeed with its one-of-a-kind botanical gardens and gorgeous southern bells, the Polk County investment firm that pulled the park out of bankruptcy failed to keep the traditional park on it's feet.
With the future of the park uncertain, the holding company has been entertaining potential buyers interested in the parks property. Owners still maintain a ray of hope that the historic park will be resurrected in the months to come.
Some say that the current owners did not seem to make a monumental effort with advertising campaigns that would have promoted the brand to a wider market.
With over 50 water skiing records, Cypress Gardens became known as the "water ski capital of the world." Producers came from all over to make films at the park including the award-winning "This Cinerama."
For nearly 6 years, Anheuser Busch both bought and operated the park in 1989 until it was later purchased by the parks managers. With the terrorists attacks on the twin towers in September 11, 2001, the park experienced a brief closure with the layoff of over 529 employees.
After sustaining damages from hurricanes Jeanne, Francis and Charley, the park emerged from decline and experienced a renaissance with the added attractions including Triple Hurricane Roller Coaster and Splash Island Water Park in 2005.
But after a long hard struggle for survival, the storied theme park shut down again in the middle of Sept. 2009. Just after 7 months of operation, the current management Land South Holdings LLC announced that it had exhausted every effort to keep the park open.
Hoping to succeed with its one-of-a-kind botanical gardens and gorgeous southern bells, the Polk County investment firm that pulled the park out of bankruptcy failed to keep the traditional park on it's feet.
With the future of the park uncertain, the holding company has been entertaining potential buyers interested in the parks property. Owners still maintain a ray of hope that the historic park will be resurrected in the months to come.
Some say that the current owners did not seem to make a monumental effort with advertising campaigns that would have promoted the brand to a wider market.
posted by michael at
7:52 AM
