Virginia Beach to open surf park backed by Pharrell Williams
Virginia Beach is set to unveil Atlantic Park, an artificial surf facility and entertainment complex bankrolled by homegrown superstar, Pharrell Williams. Olivia Palamountain reports
Atlantic Park, backed by music producer and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, will feature a 2.6-acre surf lagoon powered by Wavegarden technology.
Launching spring 2025, the surf park will be the first of its kind in the United States to be situated within an urban environment near the Atlantic Ocean.
The £248 million development includes The Dome, a new entertainment venue overlooking the surf lagoon with capacity for 5,000 guests. The flexible space, which can open to the outdoors, will host live music, comedy, and community events throughout the year.
The surf lagoon is designed to accommodate all skill levels, from beginners to professional competitors, furthering Virginia Beach's position as the East Coast's surfing capital.
Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the city already features 35 miles of sandy beaches and is known for its culinary scene and craft beer offerings. However, the new complex will expand Virginia Beach's hospitality offerings with new restaurants, bars, and boutique shops.
Bahrain has also unveiled plans for an artificial surf park featuring Wavegarden technology, said to be capable of generating a thousand waves per hour.
The Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience will be part of the Bilaj Al Jazayer megaproject, a 1.3 million sqm development along the island's southwest coastline.
It will be the Middle East and North Africa's first surf park when it opens in early 2026.