‘Millions of gallons of water' could fill Virginia Beach's Atlantic Park by spring

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Flooding is usually something people want to avoid, especially in Virginia Beach. However, those awaiting the opening of Atlantic Park are ready to see the water flow.
Within the next two months, the 2.67-acre concrete creator that has been carved into the ground between 18th and 20th streets at the Oceanfront will be filled with 'millions of gallons' of chlorinated water, according to the team preparing to operate a first-of-its-kind surf lagoon in the North America.
Using technology from Spain-based WaveGarden, surfers will be able to try and catch 1,000 waves per hour that can be made as high as six feet for those with experience, and as low as one foot for beginners.
This week, amid frigid temperatures, construction crews continued to work about the 12-acre site, where a new 3,500 seat entertainment venue, more than 300 apartments, a boutique hotel, shops and restaurants overlook the lagoon.
The plan is still for the first portions of the mixed-use district to open in May.
Catch a wave: Atlantic Park closes on financing and begins construction
The more than $350 million effort is the largest public-private partnership in city history.
The city is pitching in more than $125 million while a development team consisting of Venture Realty Group, W.M. Jordan Construction, Virginia Beach native , Bishard Development and Priority Title/H20 Investments are funding the rest.
The goal of the project is to help elevate the energy at Virginia Beach's Oceanfront while also helping the resort become a year-round destination.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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