Cypress Gardens Closing for Season

Although no notices or explanations appear on the Cypress Gardens' Web site, the historic park is apparently shutting its doors for the season according to The Tampa Tribune. In a move that is supposed to ensure the park's continued presence long-term, Cypress Gardens will close Monday, November 17 and not reopen until March 2009. Although plans are not complete, the park is expected to reopen with its botanical gardens and famous ski shows intact, but jetison the retro coasters, kiddie rides and exotic animals in favor of an expanded water park.

The 72-year-old park, known as Florida's first tourist attraction, has gone through a series of owners, managers and closings over the last five years, the last happening just a year ago. While those changes alone could affect park attendance, current economic conditions must have certainly played a part in management's recent decision.

Read more about Cypress Gardens Adventure Park.

^{Photo © Dawn Henthorn}