THE IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT CYPRESS GARDENS ADVENTURE PARK

Owner Kent Buescher is definately serious when it comes to making Cypress Gardens Adventure Park a viable destination for families, as he announced Monday that he will break ground today on a 10 million dollar water park to be known as "Splash Island" and contain several speed slides as well as a lazy river and children's water play area.

The water attraction is expected to open this summer.

Buescher and his management team is extremely happy at the response from visitors at what they have done to CGAP since it reopened in December. Over 80,000 annual passes have been sold, as well as over a 250,000 single day tickets. It's just what the area needs; a less expensive, fun alternative to the Disney/Universal/Sea World attractions that can attract young people and families.

Of course, he's not forgetting the senior citizens that was a big part of the park's traditional clientele. The botanical gardens, big-band/adult concerts, and Jubilee Junction provide a balance that young and young at heart can enjoy. As a matter of fact, I believe I read that when former Lakeland resident and country superstar George Jones appeared there recently, the crowd was one of the largest ever to see a performance there.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to see for myself yet, but it's definately on my to-do list very soon.