JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The past decade the eTown development has steadily grown off of 9B and I-95 with housing, retail and amenities, but its most recent announcement aims to blow all that out of the water.
International developer Aventuur is planning a 56-module Wavegarden Cove lagoon, essentially a surf park, which will also have "a high-performance surf academy, boutique hotel, health and wellness center, beach club, quality food and beverage offering, retail stores and event space," a release said.
Aventuur has two similar parks in development in Perth, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. It has offices in Perth and Los Angeles.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, ahead of the Jacksonville Surf Park opening to the public in late 2027.
Aventuur Co-founder and CEO Nicholas Edelman said the project increases health and wellbeing for residents and discussions about the park began in March 2022 with eTown developer PARC Group. PARC Group also developed Nocatee.
" ... we truly believe in the positive impact these developments can have on the health and wellbeing of a community, and the enjoyment that surfing can generate. In delivering the Jacksonville Surf Park, we look forward to supporting grassroots surfing, working with charitable organizations, and building on our relationships with local government to help them increase employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents,” Edelman stated.
The partnership to develop the surf park includes Lockwood Holmes, Jr., Riley Skinner and Hawley Smith.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Jacksonville Surf Park to eTown, as it aligns with our vision of creating a vibrant, sustainable community that fosters outdoor recreation, wellness, and connection," PARC Group Chris Pilinko said. "This world-class destination not only enhances the lifestyle opportunities for our community but also reflects the spirit of innovation and engagement that eTown was founded on. We look forward to the positive impact it will bring to North Florida and our community.
