WINTER HAVEN, Fla., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- A Merlin Entertainments Group spokeswoman said the corporate parent of Legoland has bought the closed Cypress Gardens theme park in Polk County, Fla.
Merlin spokeswoman Julie Estrada confirmed the purchase of Cypress Gardens, which closed down last September, also includes the Splash Island water park and the botanical gardens nearby, the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel reported Friday.
Financial details of the theme park purchase, which was finalized Jan. 7, were not released.
Merlin's purchase came amid rumors the amusement company was considering opening a Legoland theme park in Florida, the Sentinel reported.
Merlin operates Legoland parks in Denmark, England, Germany and Carlsbad, Calif.
In addition, the company operates the London Eye Ferris wheel and Madame Tussaud's wax museums.
The Sentinel reported the previous Cypress Gardens owner, Land South Adventures, said it shut down the venue because it had no way "to keep the park running in its traditional form."
