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 …
Add a Comment | See other posts filed in: Crazy Things To Do, Cypress Gardens, General Announcements, Parks and Green Space, Tourism
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.
3 Comments | See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, General Announcements, Tourism
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.
1 Comment | See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, General Announcements, Tourism
Posted: April 16, 2009: 11:31 am
April 18 and 19 will be a grand weekend for cycling enthusiasts with an Alturas Road Race on April 18 and a fast-paced downtown Winter Haven Criterion event with a series of races for most ages on Sunday, April 19.
More than a year in the planning, the cycling events are sanctioned as a Florida Points Series Event, a Land Armstrong Junior Olympic Race Series Event and a US Cycling Federation events.
You can find a complete race schedule for both the Alturas Road Race and Downtown Criterion here.
Join your friends on Saturday and Sunday for what is sure to become a premier cycling competition. This event is the latest addition to the Chain of Lakes Festival events.
1 Comment | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Main Street Winter Haven, Sports, Tourism
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.
21 Comments | See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, General Announcements, Tourism
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
Posted: February 5, 2009: 10:42 am
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.
You can view all ten sculptures here.
4 Comments | See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Cultural Arts, Downtown, Parks and Green Space, Tourism
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!
Add a Comment | See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Downtown, Economic Development, Health Care, News Media, Parks and Green Space, Perspective, Real Estate, Technology, Tourism, Transportation
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
12 Comments | See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, Tourism
Posted: July 16, 2008: 3:57 pm
Today’s News Chief (July 16, 2008) contains a news brief noting that the Lake Region Lakes Management Commissioners will hear a proposal from Commission Executive Director Roger Griffiths to undertake a program to deepen the Chain of Lakes canal system by two feet. In an email exchange with Griffith he describes the plan as a concept that will require engineering study to determine if it can be successfully done. The process under consideration would leave the present canal walls in place and use a different system to extend new retaining structures deeper. The process would have the least impact on current lawns and landscaping along the Chain’s canal banks.
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors conducted their annual planning retreat on July 11 and 12. Among the priorities established was a recommendation to determine the feasibility of deepening the canals to lessen the problems associated during times of drought. This interest followed similar discussions at the City of Winter Haven’s planning retreat in May. Deepening the canals is obviously a goal whose time has come.
The Chamber of Commerce strongly endorses the concept of deepening the Chain of Lakes canals for year -round use. We urge consideration of all viable technologies to accomplish this goal in a cost effective manner. The Chain of Lakes are Winter Haven’s most unique asset and our citizens underscored their dedication to our lake-centered environment during the 1999-2000 community visioning project.
The Chamber pledges its support to work with both the Canal Commission and City of Winter Haven to make deeper canals and the resulting year-round enjoyment of our Chain of Lakes a reality. There are no quick fix or overnight solutions but with vision and determination, we can make drought less of a factor.
A project of this magnitude requires a commitment of resources and funding to become a reality. Please let the Lake Region Lakes Managment Commissioners know of your support through comments here and emails as follows:
Commissioner Steve Enzor
Commissioner Matt Kaylor
Commissioner Betsey Schemmer
10 Comments | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Perspective, Tourism
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