Surf Park On Horizon In Orlando

A surf park could join the plethora of recreational activities in Orlando.

Ocean Sports Development is making strides with Orlando Surf Park, a 44-acre recreation, amusement and retail project at 7902 Avalon Road in the city’s Horizon West area, the Orlando Business Journal reported.

Coral Springs-based Ocean Sports and the property owner, OCE West Orange LLC, have requested a development plan review from Orange County officials.

The project, across from Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, aims to transform a landfill-zoned site with a communications tower into a vibrant entertainment hub.

The plan calls for a 12-acre surf pool, 27,000-square-foot athletic training facility, two retail buildings totaling just under 40,000 square feet, and 585 parking spaces. The surf pool will be surrounded by a promenade boardwalk and landscaped areas to evoke a “surf and ocean vibe.”

The developers hope to attract surfing competitions.

The proposed development underscores the trend of “eatertainment” concepts gaining traction, with a surge in visits to such venues outpacing other real estate sectors. The fast-growing Horizon West region, characterized by residential zoning, presents a prime opportunity for entertainment facilities, the outlet reported.

Demand is high for such options in the region, Colliers’ Executive Vice President Jorge Rodriguez said. Eatertainment concepts often thrive in residential areas that lack things to do, he said.

The nearby Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge is one of the city’s most difficult golf courses, the outlet reported. It will host LIV Golf Orlando, the third stop on LIV Golf’s 2023 tour, in March and April.

Surf park developments are popping up in other cities around the country. In Austin and Dallas, for instance, Aventuur is pursuing mixed-use projects that would be centered around 5.5-acre surfing lagoons.