Aventuur Secures Land in eTown for First U.S. Surf Park

Aventuur Press Release: Jacksonville, Florida (5 June 2025)

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, marking a major milestone in its programmatic rollout of mixed-use surf, leisure and wellbeing destinations across North America. This milestone for the Jacksonville Surf Park coincides with the recent completion of a substantial equity fundraise, driven by Aventuur’s trusted general partners who brought together sophisticated local investors to enable the project’s development.

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.

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.

The Jacksonville Surf Park has received support from The PARC Group, Davis family, Jacksonville City Council, Council Member Raul Arias and Mayor Deegan’s Office, who have all helped advance the project vision alongside Aventuur, its local partners and the North Florida surfing community.

The greater Jacksonville area is home to one of the most engaged surf communities on the East Coast and a robust tourism market, attracting 22 million visitors annually. North Florida’s coastal, outdoor-oriented lifestyle and year-round warm climate make it an attractive draw for a multitude of visitors – perfectly aligning with the unique amenities and experiences planned for the Jacksonville 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.

The project’s local general partnership consists of respected, highly qualified multi-generational developers, engineers and contractors who are passionate about the Jacksonville community, and surfing. Comprising the GP, Lockwood Holmes, Jr., Lockwood Holmes, Sr., Austin Holmes, Riley Skinner, Hawley Smith,

Morgan Phillips, Marshall Brown, Brad Davis and Rob Carlton are committed to delivering a surf park that is by Jacksonville, for Jacksonville.

“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. We’d like to thank our investors, Mayor Deegan, the Jacksonville City Council, and the North Florida surfing community for their support in helping bring this project to life.”

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 best-in-class consultant team, including renowned architect Morris Adjmi and premier planning and engineering firm Prosser | Prime AE, Aventuur created a phased masterplan that allows for an exciting mix of multifamily residential and community spaces. Radiating out from the lagoon, local surf and beach culture will be celebrated across the walkable mixed-use precinct, delivering shopping, dining and hospitality experiences in a natural setting. Residents and lodging guests will enjoy views of perfect waves and access to unique amenities, while the “Grove” will provide a vibrant space at the heart of the precinct for locals to gather, and to host community events.

“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.”

Sustainability is a core value for Aventuur, and a guiding principle in the development of the Jacksonville Surf Park. The project has been designed with an environmental focus, including plans to integrate native landscaping, preserve existing vegetation, and use recycled and responsibly sourced materials where possible. Once operational, the destination intends to integrate renewable energy as appropriate, implement considered water sourcing and management, and reduce waste through recycling and composting programs. Aventuur also plans to offer surf therapy and ocean health educational programs, promoting both mental wellbeing and environmental advocacy.

“Every Aventuur destination is shaped by the local community it serves, and Jacksonville is no exception,” said Nicholas Edelman, Co-Founder and CEO of Aventuur. “Our local general partners have been the driving force behind this project from the beginning, rallying support, building momentum, and ensuring that the surf park reflects the character and values of North Florida. This will be an amenity by the community and for the community, delivering lasting benefits from both a sport and wellbeing perspective.”

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.

Aventuur’s expansion in Asia-Pacific continues concurrently, with projects in Australia (Perth) and New Zealand (Auckland) already under development. As its North American rollout accelerates, the company is closer to realizing its goal of creating a global portfolio of health and leisure assets, anchored by Wavegarden surfing lagoons.

For the latest development updates on The Jacksonville Surf Park coming soon to eTown, be sure to follow @ThePARCGroup on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.