Local Park Offers Jackson Tribute with Free Rides

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Temporary memorial shows Michael Jackson riding Sea Dragon at Neverland ranch. Beech Bend Amusement Park is now home to the ride.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- The amusement park ride Michael Jackson sold to make money, is proving to be a great investment for one local family.

"The Sea Dragon's" new home is Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Sunday, the towering tribute was a magnet for Jackson fans.

On a sprawling, 300-acre site for amusement, one ride like its original owner stands out.

"It's the most popular history, for sure," Charlotte Gonzalez, Manager, Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon

A swinging pirate's ship, the new ride dubbed, "Sea Dragon" is gaining new momentum since the passing of Michael Jackson.

"Ya know, I grew up watching Michael Jackson dance and listening to him sing. Our show we do at the park is a singing, dancing show, and in a lot of ways that kind of thing came from Michael Jackson, "said Lance Rich, Beech Bend Park Performer, and Michael Jackson Fan.

Employees at Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon along with fans from all over stopped by to get close to a past time that was near and dear to Michael's heart plucked directly from Neverland ranch.

"Sea Dragon" was said to be Michael's favorite. Beech bend owner, Dallas Jones bid on the ride last fall. Sea Dragon was delivered to the Bowling Green site this past March on three trucks.

It's a way for fans to feel closer to the King of Pop. The music icon who never wanted to grow up, the man, by all accounts who never wanted to die.

Park manager Charlotte Gonzalez said fans have been flocking to the ride since 30 minutes after news of Jackson's death hit the air-waves last Thursday.

The family plans to leave "Sea Dragon" right where it is, but replace a temporary memorial with a permanent plaque.

Beech Bend offered free rides Sunday evening, from 5:00 until 7:00.

Owners of "Beech Bend" said Michael Jackson shelled-out about $800,000 on the Sea Dragon ride. They paid about $500,000 for the ride, the cross country trip, and for installation.