Winter Haven Chamber and City officials visited LEGOLAND California on April 8 and 9, 2010. The group spent five hours touring the park with General Manager Peter Ronchetti and CFO Brian Shaw. Information concerning the visit was presented at the City Commission’s April 26 meeting. The slide presentation below is a pictorial review of the the beautiful LEGOLAND California Park.
Renovations on the Cypress Gardens site will begin in summer. Watch for plans and artist renderings of the LEGOLAND Florida park in July.
In what may be the biggest announcement of the new century for Winter Haven and Polk County tourism, Merlin Entertainments will announce tomorrow, January 21, they will open their second U.S. Legoland Park here in Winter Haven on the Cypress Gardens property. Merlin operates Legoland California which has been named the #1 Children’s Park in that state for the past six years.
The confirmation is being attributed by area media to an email sent to Polk County Commissioners. The memo mentions several key points:
1. LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND attraction worldwide (California, Denmark , England , and Germany ).
2. Merlin is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to Disney.
3. Merlin’s massive research in the area already indicated that the LEGOLAND brand already has high recognition and a 90% intention to visit by families in their target market.
4. LEGOLAND, CA, is the fastest growing theme park in the U.S., realizing an astounding 6% growth in 2009. The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.
While there will be significant employment at the park during its reconstruction and transformation, the long term vision will see significant employment on an annual basis. This will return Polk and Winter Haven to solid tourism destination status complementing our other tourism venues such as Bok Tower Gardens and Fantasy of Flight.
We enthusiastically welcome Merlin Entertainments and salute the hard work of everyone involved locally in helping to make all the pieces fall into place (pun very much intended)!
We will present further information following tomorrow’s news conference.
Merlin Entertainments is a young and dynamic organization, it currently operates 50-plus attractions and four hotels anually, which welcomes more than 30 million visitors in 12 differrent countries across three continents – Europe, North America and Asia – and employ more than 13,000 staff.
From its headquarters in Poole, Dorset, the Merlin Entertainments Group today operates an international network of attractions, among them many of the world’s best known brand names…Madame Tussauds, The Dungeons, Alton Towers, LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, Gardaland, the London Eye and others.
The Screamscape Blog actually uncovered land transfer documents that led to the discovery of Merlin Entertainments’ purchase of Cypress Gardens. We have added information collected from Google Alerts.
Cypress Gardens will shutter the gate at the close of business today (Wednesday, September 23, 2009). That’s 73 years after a young, energetic entrepreneur named Dick Pope and his wife, Julie, opened their beloved gardens on January 2, 1936. Eventually Cypress Gardens was the #1 roadside attraction in Florida until Disney opened in 1971. (Pictured at left Mr. and Mrs. Pope with son Dick Jr. and daughter Adrienne. circa 1936)
Current owners Brian Philpot and Rob Harper of Land South have owned the park for the past two years. What is apparent is that as it is currently configured, the park is not viable. For that reason the owners have decided to close the park while negotiations continue with several potential buyers.
It’s a sad day for Florida history and even sadder for the many people who hold special memories of working, skiing and playing at America’s Tropical Wonderland. More than 50 million people visited the Gardens throughout its existence. Today’s announcement follows a six year roller coaster ride for the park after closing in April 2003 and being rescued by the State of Florida, Kent Buescher and Polk County in 2004 only to be pounded by triple hurricanes the same year. The park enjoyed a brief renaissance opening in December 2004 but never fully overcame the devastation and costs associated with hurricanes Charley, Jeanne and Frances.
It is difficult to predict what the next chapter may hold for the venerable site. The state purchased development rights off of 120 acres which includes most of the land surrounding the original Botanical Gardens and ski show area. The citizens of Polk County own the original 30 acres of the park including all of the lake frontage on both Lake Summit and Lake Eloise.
Statement from Land South:
From the earliest moment that our firm purchased Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Waterpark, our highest priority has always been to maintain the park’s beauty and protect its proud traditions as a mainstay of the State’s history and natural treasures. It is with these ideals in mind that we must announce that the park will be closed for business as of Wednesday, September 23, 2009.
During the last two years, Land South Adventures, LLC, has explored numerous management frameworks and exhausted every possible approach to keep the park running in its traditional form. Now, we are in the process of negotiating with several potential purchasers and lessees for all or part of the property, and do not feel it is fair to our employees, the guests, or the public to continue operations heading into the fall with the future of the property in flux. We are optimistic that the outcome will be in the best interests of both the park and the residents of Polk County and the State of Florida.
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) meeting today in Bartow approved a series of priorities that include three walking and biking trail enhancements. Among the priorities to be recommended to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are three Winter Haven projects. (The value of these enhancements totals nearly $3.5 million.)
1. Chain of Lakes Trail- Lake Howard Connector - The Chain of Lakes Trail-Lake Howard Connector is a 2,800± foot pedestrian trail extending along Avenue B, NW from First Street to the Lake Howard Trail. The Connector will intersect the Chain of Lakes Trail near Fourth Street, NW (adjacent to the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce) and connect with the Lake Howard Trail on the west side of the intersection of East Lake Howard Drive and Avenue B, NW. Estimated cost for this project is $840,000.
2. Chain of Lakes Trail Southern Extension. The Chain of Lakes Trail Southern Extension is a 2,500± foot pedestrian trail extending from South Central Park along Avenue A, SW, Magnolia Avenue and Third Street, SW to Avenue G, SW. This trail will downsize Avenue A, Magnolia Avenue, and Third Street from three and four-lane roadways to two-lane roadways with a pedestrian trail, landscaping, and on-street parking. Estimated cost for this project is $845,000.
3. Chain of Lakes Trail Bridge over Avenue T, NW. The Chain of Lakes Trail Bridge involves the construction of a bridge over Avenue T, NW to provide for a safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing over this four-lane roadway. The bridge will be constructed on the west side of Martin Luther King Drive on two parcels owned by the State Office of Greenways and Trails. Estimated cost for this project is $1,800,000.
These distinctive enhancements to Winter Haven’s walking and biking trail system will help maximize the usefulness and connectivity of the Chain of Lakes Trail.
(Pictured above: a portion of the 3.4 mile Chain of Lakes Trail)
Planning for the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead is underway. The complex will be located on City-owned property immediately north of Fire Station 1. The primary focus of this facility is to provide access to the recently completed Chain of Lakes Trail, while also expanding the City’s general recreation offerings. The facility’s proximity to the Winter Haven Area Transit Terminal (WHAT) will allow for enhanced connectivity between multiple transportation modes (vehicular, pedestrian, mass transit, etc.). As an indirect benefit, the facility will help meet parking needs associated with other destination facilities in the immediate area (i.e. City Hall, MLK, Jr. Park, Senior Adult Center, Garden Center and Nora Mayo Hall).
Improvements associated with the project include 140 new parking spaces, restroom/concession facilities, a transportation themed interactive playground, a municipal lawn/plaza, maintenance storage building, picnic facilities, shade pavilion, bike lockers, and general site furnishings. The landscape/layout design is consistent with recent redevelopment patterns of downtown and incorporates Mediterranean Revival Theme architecture consistent with the Winter Haven Public Library and WHAT Terminal.
Construction on the project is expected to start in Fall 2009. Prior to construction of the facility, the Farmers Market will temporarily be moved to either Patterson Park or Joyce Davis Park. Additional Downtown Park Renovation Plans call for the redevelopment of South Central Park.
Current cost estimates for the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead are approximately $1.4 million. Over the next two years, the City has approximately $780,000 budgeted for the project, of which $475,000 will be in the form of Florida Department of Transportation Grants. In addition, the City has requested that the project be considered for Federal Economic Stimulus Funding through the Florida Department of Transportation.
The Chain of Lakes Downtown Project Plans are currently at the 60% Phase and are being reviewed by the Florida Department of Transportation, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and City Staff.
For the fourth year, the City of Winter Haven has joined with the Polk Museum of Art to bring ten outstanding outdoor sculptures to downtown’s three-block Central Park area for 2009. The sculptures will be installed during March. The exhibition will officially open at the “Central Park Stroll” event scheduled for Thursday, April 9 in late afternoon. The sculptures will remain on display until February of next year. (The sculpture at left is titled “Humpback Whale Tail” and measures 11′ high by 17′ wide and 9 ‘ deep. It was created from reclaimed Honduran mahogany.)
The Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition is a joint project of the City of Winter Haven and the Polk Museum of Art. The Chamber and Main Street are also partners in the project.
The selections were made by a committee of people that included representatives from the Museum and residents of Winter Haven. Ten pieces were chosen from the 53 submitted. Best of Show, 2nd Place, and Honorable Mention prizes will be awarded on April 9th following judging and Peoples Choice voting.
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?
The number of acres of park land in Winter Haven — both developed and to be developed has grown from 347 acres in 2000 to 597 acres in 2008. A net gain of 250 acres in less than eight years. It is an impressive and aggressive program that has seen the city become one of two municipalities in the state (the other is Boca Raton) to set aside money annually to purchase lakefront property to preserve public access. The City completed a strategic plan for Winter Haven parks in 2007 and the following list is a progress report of where things stand.
For those who measure their community by its commitment to parks and leisure recreation opportunities, the City of Winter Haven scores high marks. The following review was presented to the City Planning Retreat on Wednesday, May 14.
Design team is finalizing the concept plan based on project budget.
Toddhunter Trailhead / Salvation Army Trailhead
Acreage: 3.96± / 0.82± Amenities: Parking; trail access; site furnishings
The FY 2008/09 Community Services Budget Proposal includes $135,000 for the design and construction of a parking area and access point at the former Toddhunter property located north of Avenue T; and $10,000 for the design of a similar facility south of Avenue T at the former Salvation Army property.
This project is currently in design with construction anticipated to commence in early 2009
CR653 School Site
Acreage: Undetermined Amenities: Track; sports fields; potential natural area with trail; potential fishing area; parking
Staff met April 18 with School Board Member Margaret Lofton and Director of Planning Larry Helton to discuss a joint partnership for athletic and recreation facilities at the proposed middle school site on CR653
School Board representatives were very much interested in this opportunity and are coordinating a meeting with their architect and City staff
Project is included in the 2008 FRDAP funding schedule; however, Legislature directed DEP staff to fund the entire list pro-rata based on available funds
Staff should get final numbers from DEP late summer 2008
Total Acreage: 223.76±
Small Scale Projects
Playground Refurbishments: WHRCC (2008/2009); Malcolm Park (2009); Girl Scout Park (2009)
Special Projects/Improvements: Rotary Park/WH Rotary Club Centennial Project
City Commissioners, staff, Chamber and Main Street representatives heard a preliminary overview of how redevelopment of the current Chain of Lakes Stadium/Southwest Complex property is likely to proceed. The City actually plans to trigger a “Development of Regional Impact” study (DRI) on a major portion (approximately 200 acres) of the community’s southwest quadrant bounded on the north by Avenue O, south by the Lake Lulu/Shipp canal, east by Park Lake/First Street South and west by Lake Shipp. Local developer Tony Binge presented the conceptual scenerio involving commercial, residential and enhanced public access to the Chain of Lakes. City staff underscored that the plan will provide for all amenities currently found on the Chain of Lakes property including a new facility for Theatre Winter Haven, a new aquatic center and other recreational amenities. Public access to Lake Lulu and the east shore of Lake Shipp would be greatly enhanced.
The master plan being contemplated will produce land use guidelines including more inter-city in fill development of a very high quality as well as an increased emphasis on Chain of Lakes access and appreciation, connectivity to walking trails and downtown.
The information was shared during the City’s annual planning retreat where those present outlined a vision for the city both five and ten years in the future. The areas of emphasis included Economic Development, Community Neighborhoods, Lakes, Leisure, Growth and Development and City Services. The City continues to use the results of the “Our Future By Design” visioning document as a significant benchmark for planning purposes. The document was developed in 1999-2000 by a broad cross section of Winter Haven residents (approximately 200 participated throughout the process).
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For the fourth year, the City of Winter Haven has joined with the Polk Museum of Art to bring ten outstanding outdoor sculptures to downtown’s three-block Central Park area for 2009. The sculptures will be installed during March. The exhibition will officially open at the “Central Park Stroll” event scheduled for Thursday, April 9 in late afternoon. The sculptures will remain on display until February of next year. (The sculpture at left is titled “Humpback Whale Tail” and measures 11′ high by 17′ wide and 9 ‘ deep. It was created from reclaimed Honduran mahogany.)
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?
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
