Cypress Gardens, the granddaddy of all Florida theme parks, slipped forever into history recently with a send-off by shoulder-to-shoulder crowds reminiscent of much better days.

Its signature water-ski act ended with a human pyramid four rows high that had an awestruck crowd of thousands roaring and clapping on the shores of Lake Eloise, home of the park since its founder, the late Dick Pope Sr., planted the garden in 1936.

Well-wishers handed out "Save Cypress Gardens" fliers at the gates, urging folks to write, call and e-mail Governor Jeb Bush imploring him to save the park. But it doesn’t look overly optimistic, as the lakeshore property would be worth millions to a developer, and declining interest in the park led to its demise.

The last day of Cypress Gardens was made even more bittersweet by crowds topping 15,000 and lines of cars snaking back miles from the park.

If only all these people were as interested in the park before the news, "maybe things would be different," mused Will Reynolds, one of the park's managers.

The park's owners have blamed a long decline coupled with a slump in tourism since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Attendance last month, for instance, was down 42,000 customers from March 2002.

Reynolds and his ownership team acquired the Cypress Gardens property on April 1, 1995, from the Anheuser Busch theme park division. In an effort to better position Cypress Gardens for continued operation. It was believed that private entrepreneurial ownership would be the best course of action for this small Central Florida attraction. Over the eight years since, despite imaginative and creative marketing strategies and substantial capital investment in the park, the operations have accumulated losses of over six million dollars.

Financial issues pertaining to creditors and others will be dealt with in accordance with the limited resources available, and in consultation with financial advisors and legal counsel.

Reynolds found it hard to keep a smile on his face, knowing that 530 people were put out of work when he locked the gate at 7 p.m. Many workers wore black ribbons in mourning.

Reynolds commented that one reason this decision was so painful is because of the tremendous efforts that have been undertaken by the Cypress Gardens’ employees to provide a wonderful experience for its guests. “I’d like to thank them for all of their dedication and work over the years.”

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