Legoland, the children's fantasy park replacing Cypress Gardens in
Winter Haven, is starting to hire professional staff and is expected to
bring more than 1,000 jobs to the region by the end of 2011.
Spokesperson Julie Estrada says
jobs currently being filled include: public relations representative, director of
sales and marketing, and systems administrator.
The
interactive theme park, geared toward families with children between
the ages of 2 and 12, will operate year-round and will offer a full day
of activity for those who visit more
than 50 rides, shows and attractions.
Merlin Entertainments also operates Legoland California (launched in
1999), and was recently voted the nation's best children's theme park for
the sixth year in a row by Amusement Today.
Merlin is also Europe's number one visitor attraction operator and the second
largest in the world with Legoland Billund in Denmark and Legoland Windsor
near London. A Legoland under development in Malaysia
is slated to open in 2012.
The
Cypress Gardens location was selected because
renovating the pre-existing theme park space will allow the park
to be developed and ready to go in less than two years.
Polk County will provide Merlin with
$5 million in incentives over a 10-year period, which includes funding
for job creation and marketing support.
Writer:
Nancy VaughnSource: Julie Estrada, Legoland
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