Surf’s up! Global developer Aventuur and an experienced group of local partners have officially closed on a prime 45-acre site in Jacksonville, Florida for the company’s first surf park in the United States.
This milestone for the Jacksonville Surf Park coincides with the recent completion of a substantial equity fundraise. Following the company’s success in Florida, Aventuur is now focusing on securing its second U.S. project in Texas, along with further destinations across the Sunbelt.
Located within The Parc Group’s master planned eTown community on the Southside of Duval County, the Jacksonville Surf Park site was unanimously rezoned to Planned Unit Development (PUD) in February, enabling the project’s development ahead of a planned public opening in early 2028. The Jacksonville Surf Park has received support from The Parc Group, Davis family, Jacksonville City Council, Council Member Raul Arias and the Mayor’s Office, who have all helped advance the project vision alongside Aventuur, its local partners and the North Florida surfing community.
Jacksonville is home to one of the most engaged surf communities on the East Coast, ranking as a top city for World Surf League (WSL) engagement. Aventuur’s research identified inherent local demand, with 36% of residents identifying as surfers, 60% of residents interested in living near the Jacksonville Surf Park, and 89% interested in visiting the destination. This demographic aligns with the unique amenities and experiences that will be offered at Aventuur’s surf park. Florida’s rich surf heritage, home to world champions including Kelly Slater, Caroline Marks, Lisa Anderson and CJ Hobgood, further underscores the region’s deep connection to the sport.
“Aventuur’s investment in Jacksonville is a testament to our city’s proud surf heritage and growing appeal as a premier destination for recreation and wellness,” said Jacksonville Surf Park general partner Lockwood Holmes Jr. “Jacksonville has always been a city that embraces the surf and coastal lifestyle, and the surf park community will elevate that connection to the next level, providing a world-class destination for residents and visitors, while driving economic growth for the city.”
The Jacksonville Surf Park will be anchored by a 56-module, 5.5-acre Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon. Distinct from other wave-generating technologies, the Wavegarden Cove is the most proven commercially viable system to create consistent, ocean-like surfing experiences for all abilities in a safe, controlled environment. A wide range of leisure, wellbeing and hospitality amenities will complement the surfing lagoon, including a high-performance surf academy, boutique hotel, health and wellness center, member clubhouse, beach club, quality food and beverage offering, retail stores and event spaces. Backed by a \ consultant team including architect Morris Adjmi and planning and engineering firm Prosser | Prime AE, Aventuur’s phased masterplan allows for an exciting mix of multifamily residential and community spaces.
“Our team’s steadfast commitment to the Jacksonville community remains the cornerstone of the project,” said Riley Skinner, Jacksonville Surf Park general partner. “In partnership with Aventuur, and with the support of local families, surfers and the City of Jacksonville, we are excited to realize our long-held dream of bringing a surf park to our hometown.”
Aventuur’s business model combines property development with high-margin, cash-flow generative operations, optimizing land value through permitting and zoning changes.
“We’re delighted to have closed on an exceptional site for the Jacksonville Surf Park, located in eTown. With the support of experienced local partners and a passionate community, we’re looking forward to breaking ground on the project in early 2026,” said Aventuur’s co-founder and CEO, Nicholas Edelman.
“We have drawn inspiration from snow, golf and other lifestyle-inspired developments to create communities that facilitate active recreation, encourage human interaction, and enhance wellbeing. In addition to Jacksonville, we are now looking at opportunities in Texas, specifically Dallas and Austin, where we can replicate this business model,” Edelman added.
Subject to further regulatory approvals, construction of the Jacksonville Surf Park is expected to commence in early 2026, ahead of opening to the public in early 2028.
“We’ve enjoyed working with the City of Jacksonville and our consulting team on the permitting and design process, and we’re excited to get shovels in the ground as the next project milestone,” said Tom Rubel, Aventuur’s Head of Development in North America. “As we continue our strategic rollout across North America, my colleague Jarrod Neumann and I are actively identifying new opportunities, with Texas and other Sunbelt markets offering strong alignment with our vision.”
Following Jacksonville, Aventuur is actively assessing sites in Texas. As the largest landlocked metro in the United States with a rich sporting, outdoor and arts culture, Dallas-Fort Worth is a primary focus for Aventuur, having recognized the opportunity to create a unique beach environment for the community. Aventuur has identified Frisco, Allen and Fort Worth as potential suitable areas. Sites in the capital, Austin, are also being considered, with the team currently engaging with prospective local development partners.
