WHAT: Wavegarden Atlantic Park introduces an expansive surf lagoon powered by an advanced 46-module Wavegarden Cove technology that offers up to 6-foot waves across more than 25 customizable wave types for all skill levels, generating up to 1,000 waves per hour. This 4-acre surf-centered attraction is the heart of a dynamic mix-use development that blends urban living with beachside energy.
WHO: The surf facility was the result of a collaborative design effort between AO, Wavegarden, and Coffman Engineers. Atlantic Park represents a milestone in AO’s growing portfolio of surf-anchored projects across the U.S., including DSRT Surf in Palm Desert, CA, Alchemy Surf in Sacramento, CA and PHX Surf in Maricopa, AZ. It also marks Wavegarden’s first completed installation in North America.
WHEN: After three years of planning, design, and construction, the Wavegarden Atlantic Park surf lagoon celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. The facility will be spotlighted later this year during the Surf Park Summit hosted by Surf Park Central, and sponsored in part by AO this November.
WHERE: Located in Virginia Beach, VA, the Atlantic Park development sits at the cultural crossroads of coastal tradition and innovation, repurposing urban space into a vibrant lifestyle destination.
WHY: For AO, Atlantic Park marks a milestone as the firm’s first completed surf park project and an exciting step in the evolution of surf-anchored design. Serving as architect for the surf lagoon, AO helped bring Wavegarden’s vision to life, integrating advanced surf technology into a thoughtfully planned recreational experience. This project underscores AO’s growing expertise in this emerging typology, which continues with DSRT Surf, now under construction andexpanding the concept to include hospitality, retail, and placemaking elements. Together, these projects demonstrate AO’s role in shaping the next generation of surf destinations.
HOW: AO provided architectural services for the surf lagoon and its surrounding infrastructure, including the water treatment and maintenance buildings, technical service area, and public bridge. The lagoon itself spans 2.67 acres and uses a precision paddle system to simulate natural waves — controlled by software that tailors sessions for beginners to pros. The design required intricate coordination with civil engineers to navigate Virginia Beach’s high-water table, and it incorporates a discreet drainage system to manage water flow beneath the lagoon. AO worked closely with Wavegarden to adapt their proprietary lagoon technology into a compact, urban footprint while ensuring performance, safety, and aesthetic integration. AO also collaborated closely with the master plan architect, Gensler, and the mixed-use architect, Hanbury, to ensure the surf lagoon aligned seamlessly with the overall vision for the destination. This coordinated effort helped create a cohesive and well-designed environment that supports the development’s broader goals.
ABOUT AO: AO is a relationship-focused, design-driven architectural, landscape, interior, and planning services firm helping clients create places where people and businesses flourish. In its 51st year, the firm boasts wide-ranging expertise across multifamily, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, science and technology, data centers, restaurant, healthcare, office, industrial, parking, landscape, interiors, and global design, modular, commercial, and public utilities. AO is known for its ardent collaboration with developers and owners and deep expertise across various building types. AO operates from studios in Orange, San Diego, Oakland, and Sunnyvale, CA, New York, NY, Atlanta, GA, and Orlando, FL, where it serves clients across the Americas, Asia, and beyond. AO has also developed a specialized, valued expertise with sports-related and mixed-use developments, designing projects across the US, including Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, Utah, as well as California. Visit aoarchitects.com to learn more.
