Aquarena amusements nixed for natural restoration

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The springs used to be full of mermaids and vibrant pigs, but now is just fish and plant life in their natural habitat. The area is home to eight federally-listed endangered or threatened species.

Now the area is called Aquarena Center, and is currently undergoing a $5 million restoration. Andrew Sansom with the River Systems Institute says the venue will be converted to a nature and aquatic study area.

Back in the 1960s, up to 250 people would fit into a submarine and plunge below the waters surface to watch a show.

Now that the show is over, the biggest challenge is bringing up two submarine theaters.

"We had the sub hooked up to a 500 ton crane and a 400 ton crane, and it still wasn't enough to pick it up," Sansom said. "We may have to cut it into pieces and pick it up a piece at a time."

The River System Institute says the project will be complete in June.

Spectators can still take Glass Bottom boat tours while the construction is underway. Click here for more information.

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Aquarena amusements nixed for natural restoration