Neverland
Ranch is a landmark in the back county
of Santa Barbara County made famous by its former owner
Michael Jackson. The ranch and grounds are strictly off
limits to the public however you can take a drive up to
the entrance gate and take pictures. At one time guests
passed through these gates and headed down the road Michael
Jackson's Neverland Ranch complex.
Jackson purchased the property 1988 and turned the ranch
into a private amusement park. Neverland Ranch had two
railroads, a Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Zipper, Octopus,
Pirate Ship, Wave Swinger, Super Slide, dragon wagon kiddie
roller coaster and bumper cars. The ranch has about 2,500
acres and when it was home to Michael Jackson upkeep was
reported to cost $5 million per year.
In 2006 Michael Jackson departed the ranch and never returned.
The amusement park rides, railroad and zoo were removed
and Neverland was set to be sold as a result of missed
payments. A last-minute deal with a real estate investment
firm placed the title for the property into a joint venture
with Jackson.
After his death Neverland was considered as a burial place
for Michael Jackson. Due to various reasons Jackson was
not buried at the ranch. Michael Jackson was finally laid
to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills September
3 2009. Michael Jackson was buried with his sunglasses
and white glove. Rest in peace Michael
|
