Splish Splash! Discount Cash!!!

Posted: July 1, 2009: 12:42 pm

Here’s a hot deal for a wet, refreshing time for up to four people … just print this page and take it to the park for the discount admissions …

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New From Splash Island Water Park at the Gardens …

Posted: June 3, 2009: 5:08 pm

Just in time for summer vacation, Splash Island Water Park at Cypress Gardens is open seven days a week for summer. Beat the heat and enjoy the thrills of water slides or simply float your cares away on the lazy river. In addition, half-price admission is offered for the water park after 3 p.m. everyday in June, July and August.

Splash Island Waterpark is open until 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday and will now be open Saturday’s until 10 p.m. featuring Splash Party Nights that include live entertainment.

Live entertainment this Saturday, June 6 is “Blowing Trees” peforming at the Paradise Wave Pool stage at 7 p.m . and 8 p.m.

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Ambitious Garden’s Plans Offer Opportunity ……

Posted: May 1, 2009: 2:21 pm

Cypress Gardens is raising the roof (literally) as they move what was the cover for a park train station to a new location covering the admission kiosks. 

Among the ambitious plans that Park Administrator Bill Sims and Marketing Director Bob Morgan have underway is a year-round weekend festival in the Southern Crossroads area. This area will be separated from the Botanical Gardens by a gate and for many weekend activities will feature no admission charge. Weekend concepts under discussion include Oktoberfest; Soap Opera Fan Fest; Folk Festival; Petapalooza and Pumpkin Pickin’ — just to name a few.

Business Opportunities:

The weekend events in the Southern Crossroads (more recently known as Jubilee Junction) area will be scheduled for a Friday, Saturday and Sunday run. The  Gardens is looking for established local restaurants, arts and crafts persons, retailers and more to use the facilities within the Southern Crossroads shops and eateries to market during these special weekends. This could be a great way to expand your market with minimal investment during a tough economy.

Memorial Day weekend will be the first such opportunity. If you are interested in more information, contact Bob Morgan at 863.324.2111 orbmorgan@cypressgardens.com.

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Cypress Gardens Announces New Pricing

Posted: March 17, 2009: 12:57 pm

Speaking at the Second Anniversary celebration for Polk Outpost 27, Bill Sims, leading Cypress Gardens new management team announced the following pricing structure for Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Water Park:

Annual Passes:

Cypress Gardens Annual Passes Ages 3 and older: $39.95
Splash Island Water Park Annual Passes Ages 3 and older:  $49.95
Annual Pass Both Parks Ages 3 and older: $69.95

Daily Admission:

Cyprees Gardens Ages 10 - 59 $12.95 / Children & Seniors $9.95
Splash Island Ages 10 - 59 $23.95 / Children 3-9 & Seniors: $17.95

Park Hours:

Cypress Gardens: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F and til 6 p.m. weekends
Splash Island: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on select weekdays and until 6 p.m. on weekends

(Hours subject to change without notice)

The reborn Cypress Gardens will focus on the iconic Botanical and Topiary Gardens. To date, moe than 40,000 annuals have been replanted providing beautiful spring color. The famous water ski show will appear onopening day and the electrice boat tours will resume operation in the near future. A number of special events including flower festivals and concerts are being scheduled and will be announced soon. Splash Island has all the fun and excitement as in the past with plans for expansion next season. This year the water park will operate through October 18.

The parks will reopen March 28 coinciding with Spring Break. 

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

The Chamber joins the Winter Haven community as well as Polk County in welcoming the return of this beautiful park, splashy water park and its economic and historical importance to our area.

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Gardens Will Reopen March 28

Posted: February 24, 2009: 10:53 am

Cypress Gardens new management team will be led by Bill Sims (pictured at left) who announced today that both the Botanical Gardens and Splash Island water park will reopen March 28 to coincide with Spring Break. Sims was introduced to assembled news media by former State Senator Rick Dantzler who has served on a consulting basis with park owners since November 2008. Dantzler’s wife is the granddaughter of park founders Dick and Julie Pope.

“Those who hold current annual passes will see those extended by four months to compensate for the four months the park has been closed. New annual passes will go on sale March 1,” Sims stated. Under the new structure the Gardens and the Waterpark will have separate admission gates and sell separate tickets. Ticket prices will be reduced up to 40% off 2008 prices. 

Sims previously worked at Cypress Gardens from 1970 to 1985 ultimately serving as Executive Vice President working with Dick Pope Sr., and his son, Dick Pope, Jr. He has also headed management teams at Silver Springs in Ocala and Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill.

“I cut my teeth in the entertaiment industry at Cypress Gardes and learned from the best in the business, Dick Pope, Sr.” Sims said, “I’m thrilled to be returning.”

The reborn Cypress Gardens will focus on the iconic Botanical and Topiary Gardens along with the Splash Island Water Park. The famous water ski shows and electric boat tours will also resume operation. A number of special events including flower festivals and concerts are being scheduled and will be announced in the near future.

Sims announced many past employees of Cypress Gardens will be contacted in the coming weeks regarding resumption of their duties at the attraction.

Chamber President Seretha Tinsley noted that Cypress Gardens plays an important role in our community and the entire county. A successful business model for the Gardens will help our restaurants, hotels and other businesses be more successful in the long term.

Welcome Mr. Sims … we wish you and the Gardens great success.

14 Comments | See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, General Announcements, Tourism

2008 In Review … Our Top 10

Posted: December 31, 2008: 11:40 am

As 2008 comes to an end we offer our  list of ten significant Winter Haven developments from the past twelve months. While the economy has slowed, there is still much positive local activity. A great many developments hold promise for the future. Here’s our selection - each is linked to the original blog post. What would you add?

10. DCA approval of the CSX intermodal rail facility

9. Winter Haven Hospital completes $40 million addition.

8. PCC one of nine community colleges to offer four-year degrees

7. Ledger New York Times buys News Chief

6. Winter Haven opens new airport terminal

5. City plans for Chain of Lakes property

4. Winter Haven Hospital attains Magnet status

3. Six Ten Corporation/T3 Communications “Inland Fiber and Data Technology Park” downtown

2. Winter Haven Parks Grow by 250 acres since 2000

1. Cypress Gardens closes … to reopen in March 2009

What would you add to this list?

The Chamber extends our best wishes for a bright and prosperous 2009. And remember … buy from local merchants, the job you save may be your own!

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Another Chapter for Our Gardens …

Posted: November 10, 2008: 3:16 pm

Revamped Cypress Gardens to Reopen
in March with New Focus and Expanded Water Park.
Displaced Employees to be assisted by Polk Works and United Way.

Cypress Gardens, that icon of Florida tourism, will temporarily close beginning November 17. Master site plans are expected in December with reopening projected for March 2009. The owners are planning to enhance the water park making it even more attractive.

The rides will be removed and both the entrance and parking will return to their pre-2004 locations. (Pictured left in an early Garden’s postcard.) That should make access to the botanical gardens and the water park more user friendly. As is always the case when the Gardens alters its operations, the area news media including all major Tampa television stations have descended on the community to seek reaction. Here are some observations.

Why close the ride and animal areas?

The ride and animal areas are labor intensive. Thirty-eight rides — many requiring two or more attendants — bring payroll and overhead costs that are difficult to recover when their target market is busy attending school. The animal area and various entertainment performers (Pirates, Cowboys, etc.) all add to the overhead. If a streamlined operation of the water park and botanical gardens makes the park profitable, that is a win-win.

Will the park’s identity be affected?

The park’s most significant identifier is in its name Cypress GARDENS. The water park complements that and provides an income stream that can make the park profitable and protect the historic botanical gardens.

Can this refocusing of the park’s operation work?

Absolutely. Regional water parks operate successfully across America. The botanical gardens, ski show, belles and the addition of a history exhibit dedicated to Dick and Julie Pope will offer something for everyone as well as paying tribute to the Pope promotional genius. Using the park’s beauty as a setting for weddings will also continue following its March reopening.

What about the employees?

The Chamber has worked in concert with the park owners, park human resources department, Polk Works and United Way of Central Florida to arrange for employment assistance group meetings. These will take place at Cypress Gardens on Friday, November 21 as outlined below:

Employment & Training Opportunities
Designed Especially for Employees of Cypress Gardens

November 21, 2008

Polk Works ReAct Services?
Workforce Investment Act Services (WIA)
One-Stop Centers
One-Stop Partner Services
Core Services (resource area)
Intensive Services (resume writing, etc.)
Training Services (approved training providers)
Unemployment Insurance (how & when to apply)

United Way Services
Dislocated Worker Assistance (rent, mortgage, food & utilities)
Other services provided by United Way Partners

Informational Sessions will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008
9 AM, 11AM & 2:30 PM

Sign-up today to reserve your seat!
Handout Materials Available

Visit Polk Works on the web at  HYPERLINK “http://www.polkworks.org” www.polkworks.org

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Garden’s Tickets Available for Chamber Families Now!

Posted: May 5, 2008: 1:59 pm

Free Admission! Special Shows! Food and Merchandise Discounts!
Special Discounted Annual Pass for Chamber Members!

Tickets for the Chamber’s May Showcase, “Chamber Family Night” at Cypress Gardens are now available in our lobby while they last. (Limit six per family) The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 22.

Winter Haven Chamber members need only display a Chamber Advantage Card, business card or employee ID card from a Chamber member company. Join your friends at Cypress Gardens for an evening filled with family fun!

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Gardens to Host Chamber “Family Night” May 22

Posted: April 18, 2008: 9:40 am

Free Admission! Special Shows! Food and Merchandise Discounts!
Special Discounted Annual Pass for Chamber Members!
The Chamber’s May Networking Showcase morphs into “Family Night” fun as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park rolls out an evening of special shows, breathtaking flowers and food and merchandise discounts for Chamber members and their immediate families. The Gardens is hosting members and families from the Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales, Auburndale and Lake Alfred Chambers of Commerce.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
Chamber “Family Night” Fun
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Special 6 p.m. Ski Show
Special All New Animal Encounter Show
Botanical Gardens open until 6 p.m.
More than 40 rides to thrill!
Special “Family Night” Admission Tickets* available May 1 in Chamber Lobby while they last.
To obtain tickets:
Present your Chamber Advantage Card or your business card/or employee identification card with Chamber member company at Lobby Desk. You may only pick up tickets for your immediate family (parents and children). The Chamber reserves the right to limit quantities.

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Paddling is Key to Success

Posted: April 14, 2008: 9:12 am

No, we’re not speaking of corporal punishment … but the best way to win the Second Annual Chain of Lakes Challenge Canoe & Kayak Races is to paddle your boat better than anyone else in the competition.

Bring your canoe or kayak to the Lake Summit Boat Ramp Park this Saturday, April 19. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. and the races start at 7:45 a.m. There are four divisions:

Professional Kayak (under 26″ wide)

Recreational Tandem or Solo Kayak (more than 26″ wide)

Professional Canoe (single bladed paddles)

G-2 canoe or kayak encouraging two generations to participate together (i.e. parent/child or grandparent/grandchild)

The first three categories will depart Lake Summit and travel along the shoreline of Lake Eloise clockwise and into Little Lake Eloise back into Lake Eloise continuing in a clockwise direction to the Eloise/Lulu canal. Paddlers will travel directly across Lake Lulu to the Lulu Shipp canal and back across Lulu into Eloise and on to Lake Summit and the Boat Launch Park finish line. (Approximately 7.7 miles.

The G-2 race will depart Lake Summit shortly after the above divisions and travel through the Cypress Gardens ski show circle, on around the tire breakwaters and back to Lake Summit Boat Launch Park.

Entrants must bring their own canoe or kayak. All crafts must be manually paddled. All participants must wear flotation throughout the race. All participants must finish or report out of the race at a check point to account for whereabouts. Checkpoints will be located at Little Lake Eloise and Lulu/Shipp Canal (east end).

First Place winners in each division get Cypress Gardens Passes and $50 cash awards. Second Place finishers receive $25 and Cypress Gardens Passes. Registration forms available at Andy Thornal Company and the Winter Haven Chamber Lobby. $20 registration fee per boat. All entrants receive Challenge T-Shirts.

The Chain of Lakes Challenge is sponsored by Andy Thornal Company, The News Chief and The Ledger. It is the final event in the 2008 Chain of Lakes Festival. The Chain of Lakes Challenge is organized by the Winter Haven Chamber Foundation and the City of Winter Haven Department of Natural Resources. Course Checkpoints courtesy of Marine Supply - The Boating Center.

Pictured at left, Don Nettlow noses between the finish line buoys to win the inaugural Chain of Lakes Challenge Professional Kayak division in 2007.

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