TAMPA - Legoland Florida, a new theme park under construction in Winter Haven, has its first general manager.

Adrian Jones, who had been the divisional director for the company that oversaw a Legoland in Illinois, along with other theme parks, will start his new job immediately.

"I'm ecstatic to be here," Jones said. "I love the sense of community here. I've lived in L.A., and I couldn't get used to the traffic and people on top of each other. There is a nice pace here."

A fall 2011 opening is planned for Legoland Florida, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments Group.

The park is being built on the former site of Cypress Gardens, and the water ski show, botanical gardens and some rides will be preserved.

"Cypress Gardens was beautiful," Jones said. "Why would we not integrate that into our site? We're discussing how to create a Lego water show."

The 145-acre park will feature more than 50 rides and shows and will include models built out of Legos. It is geared for children ages 2 to 12.

Prices have not been determined, but Jones said the park will be competitive with Disney World and other large parks in the area. The rides, however, will focus on family interaction.

"We do roller coasters, but we do the ones that make you giggle," he said. "Pink-knuckle rides are not what we do."

Jones has worked in leisure attractions for more than 20 years, he said, and has done everything from selling ice cream to being a general manager.

"I always knew I wanted to go back to theme parks, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to create one," he said.

He is a graduate of Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom and is moving to Polk County with his wife, Sarah.

During the construction phase, Jones will work closely with John Ussher, Merlin Entertainments' general manager of development.

The park plans to hire about 1,000 people, with the majority of those jobs being hired next summer, Jones said. For information, go to www.legoland.com/jobs.

Reporter Shannon Behnken can be reached at (813) 259-7804.