Blue Springs Waldron Indiana Official Thread

[Blue_Springs]

Press Release

Blue Springs Under New Ownership

An exciting announcement for the local scuba diving community, as Blue Springs Lake located in Waldron, IN, was purchased from previous owners Jack Kessler and Rich Standifur. The agreement was reached on Christmas Eve 2010, when local Hoosier William Baker and his wife, and long time dive buddy, Susan finalized the purchase of the lake, with it proper name remaining Blue Springs.

A five year renovation plan is now in place with the goal fixated on developing Blue Springs into a world class operation for Midwest divers and Scuba Instruction.

First year improvements include:

• Minor concessions
• Quality air fill station
• First aid station
• Additional parking
• 3 new suspended underwater platforms
• Lighted Platform Buoys
• Proper water maintenance
• Renovations to the Central Beach
• Concrete steps leading into the water for easy access for the diver (Central Beach)
• Separate giant stride entry (Central Beach)
• Primitive campsites ready
• GENERAL CLEAN UP

Future improvement plans include facilities for girl scouts and boy scouts, volleyball pits, a half-court basketball court, Hiking trails and RV campsites. Plus much much more.

-END-

Friends and Divers

I'm sure there are several questions and I will make myself available in between trips to the lake. I plan to be as transparent as possible with my answers. (Sounds like I'm running for election) Most of my time has been working at the lake these last 4 months. Mother nature is doing her best to slow things down, but with dedicated friends and volunteers we have made some great improvements.

We've completed construction of 3 new underwater platforms. Built and completing a proper air compressor station to house the newly rebuilt air compressor. Bank tanks are back from hydro and being readied for installation. General clean up is well underway at Central Beach with the shack removed from North Beach. 6 new Kit Up stations are built and ready for deployment with 14 more under construction. Plus much more!

Did I mention GENERAL CLEAN UP!!! EVERYWHERE

We have a long way to go with projects to do in all directions, but we're dedicated to see it through. The 2011 season is close at hand with much anticipation of the renovation of Blue Springs. I look forward to meeting everyone so please stop in and say hello. I look forward to the day when we'll never hear a diver say " This place is a dump, but it could be a beautiful place" This will happen with great friends and volunteers and your support.

I will happily answer any questions you have.

William

[Blue_Springs]

Press Release part 2

Ready to have an up close and personal experience with the American Paddlefish? Read more in the following press release:

Blue Springs Offers Sponsorships in American Paddlefish Release

Blue Springs will be releasing twenty American Paddlefish into its lake on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 8:00am. The lake, which is under new ownership, is making significant steps to improve the park’s experience for both Scuba divers, and non-divers, who just want to experience some of Indiana’s greatest resources: peaceful nature setting, fresh air and crystal clear water.

As part of this major green effort to maintain the ecological balance of the quarry, Blue Springs is offering twenty sponsorship opportunities. The sponsorship includes a photo opportunity with a specific American Paddlefish. The sponsor, and their guests, will be able to escort their 25 pound plankton-eater from the transport vehicle to the lake where Scuba divers will be waiting to assist with the release of this incredibly unique species. This will be a rare opportunity to see an American Paddlefish up-close and personal. This extremely shy species is known for their elusiveness and this is an exceptional educational opportunity.

This large, freshwater fish can grow to 7’ in length and can weigh up to 220 pounds. The American Paddlefish can be easily recognized by it’s large paddle-shaped snout, which is covered with sensory organs that are a major part of the fish’s navigation system and enables them to sense objects nearby. The structure of these fishes is as ancient as that of crocodiles, suggesting that ancestors of the American Paddlefish have been swimming in the American rivers for quite some time.

The Polyodon Spathula, or paddlefish, is an ancient fish indigenous to the United States and is present in many of the river systems of the South and South-West. However, wild paddlefish are on the threatened species list and so aquaculture projects such as this ensure that wild populations will stay safe and thrive.

Blue Springs is 10 – 60′ deep lake of sparkling clean water fed by underground springs. It has been used for many years by hundreds of divers to receive their certifications. Blue Springs was recently acquired by a local diver with the desire to propel Blue Springs to a premier Mid West dive location. The lake is located within easy access of several states. The water is crystal clean and is tested monthly by the local health department.

We encourage you, your family, your classroom and your friends to learn more about Blue Springs Scuba Diving and the American Paddlefish by visiting our website at Blue Springs Scuba Diving.

Contact us today to reserve your $50 sponsorship opportunity by calling 317-847-9711 or sending an email to events@bluespringsscuba.com.

[scubaho]

Paddlefish release went well!

[USdiver1]

Saw this posted on the Blue Springs website:

Blue Springs is closed till further notice.

Effective June 10, 2011

We are in the beginning stages of contractual litigation with one of the sellers of the property know as Blue Springs. More information to follow as it becomes available. Your support and kind words have been very much appreciated.


Does anyone know if this is legit or the work of a hacker?

[Blue_Springs]

@USdiver1 - It is sad to say but yes the website is correct and has not been hacked. We are in the beginning stages of litigation against one of the sellers of the land known as Blue Springs. We are being a bit quiet as we prepare for the upcoming activities.

It is sad to say that some try to prosper of the sweat and hard work of others.

Here is just a peek...

At last note we have been call squatters and removed from the property by the sheriffs Office. On the contrary, we called the Sheriff's office to report a burglary and prevent any altercations from happening.

Items missing:
Two Honda Four Runners
1 Underwater Scooter
1 Box of wristbands
250 Office Waivers
1 Small Air Compressor
2 Scuba Tanks
1 Weed-eater
2 5 gallon tanks for fuel
1 New wet/Dry vac
and more...

To verify this statement, please contact the Shelbyville Sheriffs office. (Date compliant was made: 6/11/11)

While the other side will continue to spread lies and innuendos, I encourage all divers to dig a little deeper, talk to other volunteers that spoke to the sellers as we improved the property.

Who is Blue Springs LLC Registered to?
Who has made the improvements to Blue Springs?
Why is litigation happening at the beginning of the season?
Why do we keep saying only one of the sellers and not both?
How is it we carry liability Insurance?

Does this sound like a Squatter? Remember this is only a very small glimpse of what is going on.

For us, diving is a passion and not just another company for make money to be mad from. Once again your support and kind words have been very much appreciated.

Please consider visiting Natural Springs, France Park, Hidden Paradise or other great locations in the Midwest for all your diving activities.

[USdiver1]

@Blue_Springs,

Thanks for the update, we certainly understand why you can't talk more on pending litigation. Good luck, we appreciate all that you have done at Blue Springs since taking over, and hope all works out well for you in this case; and, of course, that the Springs opens for divers as soon as possible.

[diveski01]

I hope the diving fees that are being collected in the mean time are going to the proper recipient? We dove (or attempted to) on June 11th. There were O/W check outs in progress and few other divers there as well.

[TheHobster]

The diatribes the previous owner sent out soured me on the place. It was such a fresh air day to hear it was being sold and to whom. I was overjoyed; however, my feelings for the former owner have been validated. Especially since all that work was done to spiff the place up.

I have utmost respect for the energy and class the new ownership brings to the table. Let's hope this gets taken care of in short order and little expense.

[1969ivan1]

So are people still diving in Blue Springs under the old ownership? It sounds like people are going there and paying the 20 bucks and diving while this is all going on? Can anyone advise on this? I need to get back in the water.

[ThePigtailedDiver]

There is a very special place in my heart for Blue Springs it is where I did my cert dives and spent some quality time last season!! I hope that all this legal stuff gets resolved quickly. I am looking forward to making the trip and getting my first look at the new and imporved Blue Springs!! Please keep us up to date on the status.