In February 2021, we embarked on an incredible journey by purchasing a property rich with natural beauty. After meeting with the previous owners several times in the preceding months, we were inspired by their deep love for the land. Determined to honor and continue their legacy, we envisioned transforming the property into something extraordinary.

The centerpiece of our vision was a manmade, J-shaped, spring-fed pond already on the property. As waterskiing enthusiasts, we couldn’t help but wonder: could this land support a ski lake, also spring-fed, designed for world-class slalom skiing?

To bring this idea to life, we partnered with a consulting firm to explore the feasibility, navigate permitting requirements, and develop a design that would blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The process was anything but quick—it took over a year and a half of meticulous planning and permitting to finalize the design. Yet, every step brought us closer to the dream of creating a private waterskiing haven.

The first step in bringing Central Sands to life was harvesting and selling the trees to make room for the lake and the spoil piles that would result from digging. While some of the trees had been damaged by historically high water levels, we were able to harvest the majority—a process that aligned with the original intention for the property years ago. This thoughtful approach ensured the land could evolve while honoring its past.

Below, you’ll find a few pictures showcasing the area after the clearing, marking the beginning of our transformation journey.

With permits secured and the trees cleared, we moved on to the next major phase: digging the lake. To ensure the project’s success, we hired an experienced contractor known for handling complex projects with precision and professionalism. Watching their team at work was a marvel—the coordination of trucks, backhoes, and bulldozers was not only impressive but a testament to their craftsmanship.

This was no ordinary excavation. The original pond posed a unique challenge, as it had to be incorporated into the new lake on one end while being filled on the other. Adding to the complexity, groundwater frequently emerged during the dig, requiring careful management and constant pumping. The team created a channel to direct water from the northeast side of the lake to a pump on the southwest side, keeping the worksite dry enough to proceed.

The entire process, spanning three and a half months, was a remarkable transformation. Below, we’ve shared pictures to illustrate the progress, capturing key moments of this ambitious project as it came to life.

One of the key design decisions during the lake construction was whether to incorporate turnaround islands. After consulting with numerous skiers who frequently skied slalom courses at various lakes, we decided to include offset turnaround islands at each end of the lake. This feature was chosen to enhance the skiing experience, ensuring a good set-up and smooth water in the course.

Watching the contractors bring these islands to life was truly fascinating. They carefully formed the islands using sand, shaping them with precision, and then reinforced them with stone to ensure durability. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident at every step of the process.

Below, you’ll find pictures that showcase the construction of the islands, offering a glimpse into the incredible effort and expertise involved in this stage of the project.

Each time we arrive at the lake, we’re still in awe of the transformation. What was once a dream has become a breathtaking reality. We feel truly blessed to have partnered with an outstanding consulting firm and an exceptional contractor. Their professionalism, care, and dedication—working as if this property were their own—made all the difference in bringing our vision to life.

The finished lake spans over 2,000 feet in length and approximately 300 feet in width. It’s spring-fed and features a stunning sandy bottom, making it as functional as it is beautiful. The excavation process involved moving over 240,000 cubic yards of pristine sand, which has created a picturesque, hilly landscape surrounding the lake.

While the lake itself is complete, our work continues as we focus on restoring and enhancing the area around it. We’re planting trees and vegetation to craft a beautiful, thriving landscape that not only complements the lake but also supports the local wildlife.