News Summary
Jacksonville is set to launch a new surf park in eTown, costing $20 million. The project, spearheaded by Aventuur, will feature a 56-module surfing lagoon and various amenities. Construction begins in early 2026, with completion expected by 2028. Support from local stakeholders emphasizes the park’s role in enhancing Jacksonville’s recreational offerings and economy.
Jacksonville has taken a significant step toward the development of a new surf park as developers have submitted a permit application for the ambitious project, which is estimated to cost $20 million. The proposed surf park will be located in eTown, an area of South Jacksonville, occupying 44.85 acres southwest of the Florida 9B and Interstate 295 interchange. Construction for the project is slated to commence in early 2026, with an anticipated opening in early 2028.
The project is being spearheaded by Aventuur, a Los Angeles-based surf park developer, in collaboration with local partners consisting of multi-generational developers, engineers, and contractors. The ongoing permit review process is currently underway following the finalization of the deal for the land in early June 2025. Aventuur Jax Propco LLC acquired the property on June 2, 2025, from Westland Timber LLC, a company associated with the prominent Davis family, for approximately $21.1 million.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the surf park aims to utilize eco-friendly building materials and preservation methods throughout its construction. At the heart of the park will be a 56-module, 5.5-acre Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon, which is engineered to deliver consistent, ocean-like surfing conditions suitable for all skill levels. The overall design encompasses a variety of amenities, including a high-performance surf academy, a boutique hotel, a health and wellness center, a member clubhouse, a beach club, retail stores, and event spaces.
The park’s development has garnered significant local support, obtaining backing from key stakeholders including The PARC Group, local political figures, and the Jacksonville City Council. The site was rezoned in February 2025 to pave the way for the development, which carries a theme that emphasizes the celebration of local surf and beach culture. Additionally, the “Grove” area within the project has been designated as a community events center.
Aventuur’s master plan envisions a self-contained resort that will also feature outdoor recreational areas, offices, restaurants, and shops, reflecting the character and values of North Florida. The consulting team for the project includes architect Morris Adjmi and the planning and engineering firm Prosser | Prime AE, who are committed to ensuring the design aligns with community expectations and environmental standards.
The greater Jacksonville area is a significant tourist destination, attracting approximately 22 million visitors each year, and this surf park aims to enhance the recreational offerings available within the region. Following the Jacksonville project, Aventuur is also exploring the potential for similar developments in Texas and continues to work on projects in Australia and New Zealand.
As plans progress and construction dates approach, the surf park in Jacksonville is expected to not only provide a new recreational venue but also contribute to the local economy and community engagement through various events and activities set to take place in the park.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Permit Review Underway for $20M Jacksonville Surf Park Project
- Surf Park Central: Surf Parks Gaining Momentum as Summer Approaches
- Jax Daily Record: Jacksonville Surf Park Investors Announce Purchase of eTown Land
- Surfer: Florida’s $100 Million Wave Pool Approval
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Surf Park Developer Closes on 45-Acre Site in eTown Community
- Wikipedia: Surf Park
- Google Search: Jacksonville Surf Park
- Google Scholar: Sustainability in Surf Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- Google News: Jacksonville Surf Park
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
