Ski Broncs’ home park gets $800,000 renovation ahead of 2024 season

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — The Ski Broncs have put on a water skiing show at Loves Park’s Shorewood Park for nearly 60 years, and the 2024 season will introduce new renovations to their home park.

The $800,000 renovation includes a better boat ramp and an expanded staging area.

“What will be immediately visible is that we have a brand new stage which is also better placed for us as skiers,” said Ski Broncs vice president Steve Kling. “(We have a) brand new seawall and brand new walkway in front of the bleachers. There will be a new handicap-accessible seating area, which we are all excited about.”

The Ski Broncs are a non-profit organization that was incorporated in 1967. They put on two shows a week. They perform every Wednesday and Friday and those shows are free to the public.

Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury said the renovations are part of an effort to attract more visitors to the city.

“That’s our goal and it’s huge, from a standpoint of working with the Rockford Park District. That is great. And obviously, SportsCore out there. They’re out there, bringing thousands and thousands of people to the city, which benefits our businesses and the city itself. So it also provides the the local people an opportunity to go see world-class water skiing out on the Rock River,” Jury said.

The Ski Broncs have only won the national championship once in their 50 years. That was in 1991.

“Our goal is to have at least one big tournament here every summer. And with this with this work-in-progress, we will be bidding to host a world tournament in 2027. So that’s a competitive bid worldwide. But that could potentially bring teams in from all over the world,” Kling said.

The Ski Broncs will perform at their newly renovated space on May 24th at 7 p.m.

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