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About Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake is the name we have chosen for a body of water in Shakopee, Minnesota, located between Highways 101 and 169. Quarry Lake is a private water-sports site for Shakopee - Prior Lake Waterski Association (SPLWSA) members and families who are finding it increasingly difficult to ski and board on public water.  The site is owned by the City of Shakopee, but is NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The Lake is available only to SPLWSA members through a 25 year Use Agreement between the City and SPLWSA. This Use Agreement describes both our rights and obligations for use of the site. We are grateful to the City of Shakopee for allowing us to use the site. 

As the name implies, the site is a former quarry that has filled with water from springs in the Minnesota River valley. While the site is no longer a quarry, related industrial operations continue near the site.  Much of the lake is 30 – 40 feet deep.  Quarry Lake has an irregular shape, is approximately 2200 feet long (east to west), and has some good natural wind protection on the south side and northwest sides where the slalom courses are located.

While the site today is generally unimproved, Quarry Lake works great as a private water-ski site. During our first five seasons, the site received an overall rating of A-minus from the pros and USA Waterski tournament skiers and boarders who used the site. We believe we can make it into a first-class water-sports complex in the future, with amenities both for families and the competition skier and boarder.  
The lake water has good clarity and few weeds. The site includes a bituminous and concrete plank boat launch, a permanent ski jump, and two permanent slalom courses. The slalom courses include the 55 meter pre-gates and magnets for speed control.  The site also works extremely well for Wakeboarding, Wakeskating, recreational skiing, and for families.

An environmental investigation discovered a small about of Diesel Range Organics contaminants in Quarry Lake. The Minnesota Department of Health informs us that it is highly unlikely that the amounts measured would pose any risk to water-skiers. For a full discussion of these findings and a copy of the letter from the Department of Health, please click on our Environmental tab on the Quarry Lake web-page.

Safety and Security
Understandably, the City of Shakopee wants to make sure that the unimproved site is safe and secure, that we use it responsibly, and that we contribute to the public purpose of the site. As a result, our Club has a Use Agreement with the City. In this Use Agreement, we make promises to use the site responsibly. This Use Agreement CAN BE TERMINATED if we use the site irresponsibly or recklessly. Please use good judgment when using the site, and follow the rules described in this web-site. With deference toward workers near and on-site, stewardship, and responsible behavior, we will have the opportunity to use the Lake for years to come.  Safety on, and security of, the site are paramount in our ability to keep our Use Agreement.

Quarry Lake is surrounded by privately owned roads and industrial property, and currently can be accessed only via private roads. There is one approved method for entry to Quarry Lake. Those who do not follow this approved entry method risk prosecution for trespassing, and put the Club at risk for future use of the lake.

For safety and security reasons, the City, SPLWSA and the industrial tenants near Quarry Lake are enforcing “no trespassing” rules at the site. All non-members must be escorted on-site by a SPLWSA member. As a result, please understand that YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VISIT THIS PRIVATE SITE ON YOUR OWN without risking prosecution for trespassing. If you are interested in seeing and trying-out the site, please contact us at quarrylake1@yahoo.com and we will be happy to host you.

Let me repeat. Despite the fact that the land is owned by the City, the site is NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. It is open only to members of the SPLWSA, and only if those members follow the rules.
Our members are grateful to the City of Shakopee for the opportunity to ski at a private site, and we will do everything that we can to build further trust and confidence.
 
Plans for the Future
The City plans to make the site into a public park, with trails, fishing, and other park amenities. SPLWSA ‘s agreement with the City allows SPLWSA use of the lake under certain conditions for 25 years. In return, the SPLWSA is responsible to raise funds for public improvements to the site, and must treat the site with care. We have already begun our fundraising efforts toward this end. In addition, we plan water-ski specific improvements.

SPLWSA is a 501(c)(3) Minnesota non-profit corporation, and contributions to our club are tax deductible within IRS limits. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to our club, you may donate with a credit card via Google Checkout from the donate button on the welcome page of our web-site. www.splwsa.org

In the future, we would also like Quarry Lake to be our home Ski Show Exhibition site, and be available for additional water-sports tournaments and related community activities, such as skiing or boarding lessons, disabled skiing, and safe boating sessions. To join our club and use Quarry Lake, please click here.