USA-WS & AWSEF

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?      

The American Water Ski Educational Foundation (AWSEF) is a non-profit, tax deductible charitable foundation chartered in 1968, dedicated to the preservation of the traditions of one of American's most popular all family recreational activities, and to the encouragement of and education in the safe enjoyment of the challenges of water skiing.

The AWSEF administers the Water Ski Hall of Fame/Museum, supervises scholarship programs and provides an orderly means of financing other activities that are consistent with the spirit in which the AWSEF was formed.

The AWSEF built the facility on Interstate 4, Exit 44, between Orlando and Tampa for more visibility of our sport disciplines.

The Water Ski Hall of Fame/Museum is recognized as the official repository for the history and records of the disciplines governed by the USA Water Ski.

USA Water Ski (USA-WS) is the national governing body of organized water skiing in the United States. The governing body has been around since 1939 to be exact, first known by many as the American Water Ski Association (AWSA). It also serves to promote competitive events; provide tournament sanctions and rankings; work with legislation; publish The Water Skier magazine; and other services for the membership.

Questions answered about LAKE GREW?

In 1995 the AWSEF purchased a 41-plus-acre site in Polk County. In November 2000 the AWSEF and USA Water Ski moved into the 15,000-square-foot headquarters, which included a 30-acre borrow pit to be converted into a sports lake. We not only expanded office and display areas, but also the lake facility where technical testing, clinic, water ski training, towboat testing, seminars for beginners and professionals alike and demonstrations were to take place.

The AWSEF in 2004 began construction of the lake to complete the long-range goal of having a ski site in conjunction with the Hall of Fame and Museum and USA Water Ski to increase awareness of the sport for USA Water Ski.

The AWSEF completed the lake in 2005 in time to host the John Roach Memorial Jump Tournament during the Hall of Fame weekend. John's family and friends donated the Bemman jump ramp in his memory to the AWSEF.

In 2006 under the management of USA Water Ski a lake manager was hired to oversee the lake. Nineteen successful events were held, including the Disabled Nationals, Barefoot Nationals, preliminary rounds for the U.S. Open, and other successful events. However, by January 2007 USA Water Ski had a deficit in the Lake account, and by May 2007, the lake manager was no longer employed. 

In late 2006 and by February 2007 the water level of the lake decreased due to the drought that affected all of Florida, and it became necessary to remodel the lake to more desirable depth and slopes. Erosion mats were installed and other necessary provisions were made to provide for a future of having a desirable lake for most sport disciplines of USA Water Ski.

The work was started by a mandate from USA Water Ski. A donation was made for lake remodeling with the stipulation that AWSEF would provide any additional money to remodel the lake. The AWSEF board approved the challenge in April 2007. There was much more to be done than anticipated, and by September 2007 the AWSEF was out of money earmarked for the lake, and the lake was still not completed to the expectations of the AWSEF.

In January 2008 USA-WS was informed that the CUP permit had changed regarding the lake from "Rural Conservation" to "Institutional" which allowed a ski school and other changes from the original CUP issued in the 90s.

In the AWSEF Board meeting, April, 2008 Steve Locke stated "that he viewed Lake Grew as a great opportunity for partnership with the community and a showcase for our sport and shared with the board some of the marketing and sponsorship plans he was preparing to pursue." 

In this same meeting AWSEF was informed that USA-WS would no longer effective May 1, pay for monthly maintenance costs on the lake effective May 1, 2008, until it was operational and turned over to USA-WS. 

The lake still had a levee that needed to be removed and the AWSEF still did not have the funds to pay for the removal of the levee and no buyer for the dirt. A contractor contacted AWSEF in September 2008 for the dirt and agreed to remove the levee at no cost to the AWSEF.  The levee being removed the lake ultimately was usable.

December, 2008 the USA-WS Executive Committee decided due to a very tight budget, a reduced staff and economic climate not to undertake the operation of the lake at this point in time.

The AWSEF still has obligations to complete the mitigation area of a 1.6 acre as required by Southwest Florida Water Management District.  The planting was done in 2005 and due to change of elevation of water the plants died. This estimated cost of over $20,000 to replant.

The AWSEF Executive Board after much discussion with concern of their financial position made the decision to Lease the lake.  A public announcement as required was sent out in January, 2009.  Two interested inquires were received, one pulled out of the bidding.

After much deliberation among the board members a contract was approved and Fluid Ski and Sports, LLC accepted the terms of the contract, it didn't happen overnight.

 The lease went into effect July 17, 2009.

You can never plan the future by the past!

Who is to know what the future holds for Lake Grew?