News Summary
Jacksonville is poised for significant change as the City Council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee approved plans for the Jacksonville Surf Park. Set to transform the eTown area with up to 3,500 residential units and extensive commercial spaces, the surf park will occupy 55.27 acres, bringing a variety of amenities including restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment options. Managed by Westland Timber LLC and designed using innovative technology, the park aims to create a vibrant community, with construction beginning in 2026 and an anticipated opening in 2027.
Big Wave of Change Coming to Jacksonville!
Get ready, Jacksonville! Exciting developments are on the horizon as the City Council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee gave a giant thumbs up to the much-anticipated Jacksonville Surf Park. The unanimous decision came on February 19, with plans to transform the area in eTown into a vibrant mixed-use community.
What’s Happening?
So, what does this mean for our wonderful city? The rezoning moves the project from a standard Commercial Community General-1 designation to a Planned Unit Development under Ordinance 2025-0007. With this shift, the development has big plans! It could feature up to a jaw-dropping 3,500 residential units, along with a whopping 3.6 million square feet earmarked for nonresidential uses!
Location, Location, Location!
The surf park will take over a spacious 55.27 acres at 11374 Etown Parkway. This sits within a more extensive 237.4-acre project just southwest of the bustling Florida 9B and Interstate 295 interchange. City documents have dubbed this exciting future hotspot as E Town Village Center West.
What Will Be Built?
Now, here’s the fun part! The proposed development won’t just be a surf park; it promises a whole range of facilities! Imagine relaxing at an outdoor surf park, indulging in delicious meals at restaurants, exploring unique retail outlets, or even picking up groceries at local markets. There will also be nightclubs, daycare centers, auto service stations, and banks to cater to all your lifestyle needs!
Current State of Affairs
Did you know that the construction phase has already started, with 229 townhome units built on part of the property? The committee’s approval came with a few conditions: a mandatory traffic study and restrictions on signage height and area along Florida 9B (a maximum of 65 feet high and 300 square feet).
Who’s Behind the Magic?
The property is under the management of Westland Timber LLC, linked with the Davis family. Meanwhile, Prosser | Prime AE takes the reins as the project architect/planner and engineer. The proposed ordinance will be reviewed by the full City Council for final consideration soon.
Surf’s Up by 2027!
Ready for the ultimate surfing experience? The Jacksonville Surf Park is set to be created by Aventuur, a company known worldwide for its surf parks. Utilizing Wavegarden Cove technology for wave generation, this park aims to offer not just fun, but also community programs such as surf therapy and youth initiatives.
Construction Timeline
Construction is starting in 2026, with an anticipated public opening slated for the end of 2027. Local surfers are already buzzing with excitement, knowing they’ll soon have a reliable alternative when the natural waves don’t cooperate.
What Else Will Be Offered?
But wait, there’s more! This surf park is set to include a beach club, boutique hotel, and a variety of entertainment and retail options. The overall vision for E Town is clear: it aims to promote outdoor recreation and foster community connections throughout Jacksonville, creating a lively hub that residents will cherish.
Final Thoughts
With the Jacksonville Surf Park in the works, the future looks bright! From surfing to shopping, enjoying delicious food, and connecting with others, this development promises to be a game-changer for the community. Stay tuned as Jacksonville rides the wave of exciting change!
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Jacksonville Surf Park Advances to Full City Council Vote
- Surfer: Jacksonville Surf Park Wave Pool Planned
- News4Jax: New Surf Park Planned in Jacksonville’s eTown Development
- Surf Park Central: Jacksonville’s First Surf Park Announced
- Wikipedia: Surf Park
