Press Release from Atlantic Park:
The Virginia Beach development to begin outward communications, surf park booking, announcements and more in the coming weeks
Virginia Beach, VA – (Aug. 29, 2024) – Atlantic Park marked an often-unnoticed construction milestone last week: the “bottoming out,” a twist on a traditional “topping out” celebration, which involves placing the final piece of a building’s tallest structural element. In Atlantic Park’s unique case, this moment meant reaching the lowest depths of the wave pool that is the development’s centerpiece.
“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 John R. Lawson, II, Executive Chairman of W.M. Jordan Company, which hosted a ceremony with the construction team that included signing a commemorative surfboard marking the occasion.
The construction milestone was also a notable moment for the entire team working on the development, including the project’s lenders, Fulton Bank, Old Point National Bank, Dollar Bank and Towne Bank, as well as Live Nation, OVG360, Wavegarden, Beach Street, Venture Realty Group, H2O Investments, Bishard Homes, Hanbury Design, Cooper Carry, Gensler, WPL, Coffman Engineers, Kimley Horn, and the project’s most influential partner, Pharrell Williams.
This milestone also marks a shift into operations mode for the mixed-use development, a first-of-its-kind indoor/outdoor experience in the heart of Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District.
Soon, the eyes of the surf community will be on the installation of the 46-module Wavegarden Cove, set to begin sometime in October. Poised to transform the east coast surf offering, the technology produces more than 20 different wave profiles spanning all levels of surfing, from beginners to professionals.
“Imagine four-foot Malibu waves for beginners and longboarders, five-and-a-half-foot waves for the seasoned surfer and, of course, six-foot barreling waves for more experienced surfers,” said Blake Hess, COO of surf park operator Beach Street.
“The Wavegarden Cove’s technology is new and offers perfect waves on demand, likely something few surfers or communities have experienced. The surf lagoon will provide skill-based experiences, rather than thrill-based attractions you would find at a traditional water or theme park. This technology creates exceptional waves specifically for the purpose of surfing – for seasoned surfers and for those with the desire to learn,” Hess added.
Bookings for the 55-minute sessions will begin around the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with each surfer having the opportunity to catch 12 to 15 waves per session, beginning in early 2025.
The local surf community and members of Atlantic Park’s development team have created a first-of-its-kind surf club membership, details for which will soon be shared. For the latest surf information, follow @atlanticparksurf on Instagram.
Atlantic Park is targeted for a May 2025 opening. Later this year, the project team will provide some exciting announcements regarding incoming restaurants and retail tenants.
All updates will be announced at www.atlanticparkvb.com and on Instagram (@atlanticparkvb).
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