A long-dormant lake in Cedarville, Ohio — once a hub for scuba diving enthusiasts — is on track for a major transformation. Sportsman Lake, a spring-fed former quarry on the town’s southern edge, is being revitalized as part of a larger redevelopment effort led by a local family business.
Silver Cup Properties, a family-owned company, recently acquired the 12.94-acre site located between U.S. Route 42 and the regional bike path. The Greene County Department of Development secured $874,975 in funding to support cleanup and remediation of the property on behalf of the new owners, according to a report in the Dayton Daily News.
The site has a layered history — originally a limestone quarry, it later became a popular scuba diving destination in the 1960s and 70s. Known for its clear spring water, Sportsman Lake hosted the Skin Divers Club and attracted divers from across Ohio. By the 1990s, recreational use had declined, and the area transitioned into an industrial zone housing companies such as Aqua Locators and Applied Sciences.
Environmental remediation efforts will focus primarily on the surrounding buildings, which have been vacated. Planned work includes removal of underground tanks, vapor mitigation, and ecological restoration. While the lake itself remains relatively undisturbed, efforts are underway to ensure long-term environmental safety.
Silver Cup Properties — operated by multiple generations of a Greene County family — plans to convert the property into a mixed-use destination. Although detailed plans have not been made public, the redevelopment is expected to highlight the site’s natural features, including its access to the Erie bike trail and its suitability for scuba diving and outdoor activities.
In the meantime, the lake has quietly reopened to certified divers. Access is currently restricted to licensed individuals as work continues behind the scenes to prepare the site for broader use.
The project marks a new chapter for a location steeped in local significance — combining heritage preservation with sustainable redevelopment for Ohio’s diving community and beyond.
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