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Court Approves Gardens Sale

Posted by Bob Gernert on September 28, 2007 at 12:41 pm

The Middle District Court in Macon, Georgia has approved the sale of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park to Land South Holdings of Mulberry. Brian Philpot and Robert Harper are the new owners of the 71 year-old theme park.

Previous owner Kent Buescher will stay with Cypress Gardens as CEO. He commented, “I believe this is the best possible outcome for the park and its employees. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my association with the park and look forward to working with Brian and Rob.” Buescher added that there are exciting things under consideration for the park and announcements will be forthcoming.

Land South bid $16.8 million for the historic park founded in 1936 by Dick and Julie Pope. The park comprises 152 acres 30 of which are owned by the citizens of Polk County and maintained by the owners. Those 30 acres include the botanical gardens, ski show circle and most of the lakefront.

The legendary Bette Davis joins legendary Garden’s founder Dick Pope in this 1950s era photo at the park.

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