"World's Most Extreme Pond Build" Educates and Inspires

Distributors, contractors and retailers from across North America participated in the construction of Aquascape’s 250’x90’ signature water feature known as the “World’s Most Extreme Pond Build” July 12 to 16. With an attendance of more than 600 participants representing more than 250 companies, construction was completed on schedule with the waterfalls activated during the afternoon of July 16. 

The five-day event offered hands-on training, educational seminars, networking opportunities, customized pond tours and Pond Olympics. 

"I have to say this has been the best pond-building event ever,” said Jeanne Camp, Frontier Ponds, Union, Ill. “To have hundreds of professional pond installers work as a team toward a common goal is just awesome. The camaraderie and integrity of the Certified Aquascape Contractors (CAC) and Water Garden Excellence (WGE) members who participated is outstanding.” 

Aquascape vendors donated more than $200,000 in construction materials toward the project that was completed on schedule and within budget. More than 1,500 tons of stone were used to construct the feature, including rocks topping out at 50,000 pounds.

“For the first time, I was my own customer,” said Greg Wittstock, founder and CEO of Aquascape. “Ed Beaulieu, project manager and designer of the World’s Most Extreme Pond, and all the contractors, retailers and distributors who helped create the water feature exceeded my expectations. I’m proud to have all of them on the Aquascape team.” 

As soon as the waterfalls were turned on, participants began jumping into the pond for some much needed cooling off in the 90-degree heat that descended upon Northern Illinois for the week. An award ceremony and dinner capped off the week on Wednesday evening. Scott Hammond from Blue Creek Landscape, Ellensburg, Wash., was presented with the Certified Aquascape Contractor of the Year Award, having earned the recognition from his CAC peers.

Additional features of the World’s Most Extreme Pond Build include:
• 300,000 gallons of water with multiple pumps that produce 150,000 gallons per hour running through 8-inch lines.
• Waterfalls ranging in height from 24 inches to 10 feet, one with grotto for behind-the-scenes viewing.
• 20-foot wide vanishing edge skimmer spilling into overflow basin capable of holding 20,000 gallons of water
• Wetland filtration areas and underwater jets for additional circulation
• Southern Illinois-type cypress swamp area
• Pervious patio with rain water capture and re-use system
• Fire pit area with outdoor kitchen area
• Aquatic plant area fashioned after Monet water lily garden
• Underwater swimming tunnel and fish cave
• “Floating” island deck steppers
• 20’ x 20’ TourLinks putting green

Aquascape’s annual Pondemonium® event returns for its 10th anniversary in 2009 July 16 to 19.  For more information about Aquascape and its products and events, log onto www.aquascapeinc.com or call 1-866-877-6637 (US) or 866-766-3426 (CAN).