A company based in Coral Springs, Ocean Sports Development, has submitted initial paperwork to Orange County for the development of a surf park. The proposed site for this venture is a soon-to-be-closed landfill at 7902 Avalon Road in Horizon West, which sits just east of the Western Beltway and across from Orange County National Golf Course. The area has primarily served as a private landfill for construction and demolition waste.
The project outlines a 44-acre venue featuring a 15-acre pool with wave-generating capabilities up to 10 feet high. Additional amenities such as a restaurant, retail shops, and possibly a beach volleyball court, playground, and an academic center for educational programs are also included in the plans. A preliminary investment of several million dollars for excavation is planned, while the overall development cost is estimated at $45 million.
Gregory Lee, legal counsel for the applicants, confirmed that the landfill is slated for closure in the near term. The project is still pending final county approval and would require a land-use amendment. Anthony Brown, chairman of Ocean Sports Development, has shared that the surf park's development is in line with the company's vision to popularize surfing and aim for its recognition as an NCAA-sanctioned sport. This facility would be the first in a projected series of 30 nationwide surf parks the company aims to open in the next two decades.
Concerns have been raised by Orange County's environmental protection division regarding the landfill's status and potential environmental impact. More data is awaited on groundwater quality to guide the proposed redevelopment. Ocean Sports Development conducted a test dig in 2022, revealing construction materials like metal, sheetrock, concrete, and brick. The company assures that these materials are not hazardous and that the redevelopment will comply with state regulations.
In response to concerns about noise, particularly in relation to a planned 260-unit apartment complex nearby, Brown stated that the sound of waves would not be disruptive to neighboring residents. The surf park plans to offer various wave experiences at a cost of $100 for 90 minutes or $33 for 30 minutes, with surfboards available for rent or purchase. Brown noted that the project's location was chosen strategically, considering Orlando's status as a prime tourist destination.
With surfing having made its Olympic debut in the 2020 Tokyo games and set to be featured in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, the project aligns with the growing profile of the sport.
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