VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach’s Atlantic Park is announcing a construction milestone for the highly anticipated surf park, set to open in May 2025.
While other projects may celebrate “topping out” – or placing the final, tallest piece on a new building – Atlantic Park marked the “bottoming out” after setting the lowest depths of the wave pool that will serve as the centerpiece of the surf park.
“The wave pool is the heartbeat of Atlantic Park, and we wanted to celebrate getting to the bottom – laying the final pieces of the foundational structure that will soon create an authentic surfing experience,” said Executive Chairman of construction contractor W.M. Jordan Company, John R. Lawson, II.
Lawson's company serves as the project's general contractor.
Construction and development teams came together Thursday for a ceremony that included signing a commemorative surfboard to mark the occasion.
As construction in the Atlantic Park project reaches new heights, it’s bringing about much anticipation and excitement for many residents and visitors in the ViBe District.
“I think it’s going to be a great add to the city,” said Virginia Beach Resident Kelly Berkhimer.
Berkhimer said he checks in on the Atlantic Park project every day.
“I live right across the street," he said. "I’ve got two little dogs that I have to walk. So, we just come down this way and kind of just watch what they’re doing and seeing the changes.”
The project covers multiple blocks on Pacific Ave and catches the attention of many.
“He was curious about what was going in there," said Brenda Searfoss who visited the city Friday. "So, it’s nice to know that they’re going to have activities for people to do.”
Now, contractors are celebrating a milestone – laying down the final pieces of the surf lagoon.
“It’s a very complicated piece of the development," said Lawson. "It’s three acres, holds about six million gallons of water and we’re five feet below sea level.”
"There are wave pools and surfing facilities worldwide," Lawson said. "This is going to be, I think, the best one.”
Residents like Berkhimer expect it will do big things for the city.
“It’s going to be another draw for some people," he said, "and give people a place to go for a good vacation.”
Surf park spokespeople said the milestone notes the shift in the development of the project backed by Grammy Award-winning artist and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams.
The 46-module Wavegarden Cove wave machine set to be installed in October will bring a unique experience to the East Coast surf scene. The technology can produce 20 different types of waves, offering something for surfers of all levels.
“The Wavegarden Cove’s technology is new and offers perfect waves on demand, likely something few surfers or communities have experienced,” said Blake Hess, COO of Surf Park Pperator Beach Street. “This technology creates exceptional waves specifically for the purpose of surfing – for seasoned surfers and for those with the desire to learn.”
Guests will be able to book 55-minute wave pool sessions starting Thanksgiving weekend, securing a slot to catch 12 to 15 waves each time.
Announcements regarding the restaurants and shops coming to Atlantic Park are expected to come later this year.