A “luxury surf community” named Zion Shores has been unveiled with plans to bring Southern Utah a new American Wave Machines wave pool. Similar to several developments proposed all over the world, the wave pool will be the centerpiece of a larger development that includes 65 short-term rental properties and restaurants on 30,000 square-feet of commercial space.
According to a press release from Alaia Development and Desert Lakes LLC, Zion Shores will feature Perfect Swell Zion, the American Wave Machines pool, as well as a 164-foot wide dynamic wave surf pool, and a 60-foot wide standing wave. The development is proposed for Washington City just outside St. George, and to the southwest of Zion National Park.
Local news Fox13 reported that some Utah residents are questioning the approval of what will be the nation’s largest wave pool in a drought-stricken area.
“In light of the ask of the developers, and the need of our future growth, it is exceptionally tone deaf to approve an enormous surf park in Washington City,” council member Troy Belliston told Fox13.
It seems Zion Shores developers anticipated that skepticism from some and shared its plan for sourcing water when it announced the project on Thursday, assuring the company won’t draw any of its water from local drinking supplies or irrigation stores.
“Water is a precious resource, especially in Southern Utah, and ZION SHORES was conceived and designed with the vision of protecting that resource,” they wrote. “Our surf lagoons will be filled with non-potable brackish water not suitable for drinking or irrigation from privately owned onsite wells. Brackish water is much too costly to convert into culinary or irrigation quality, but with a little chemistry added, it is entirely safe for recreation. In addition, Alaia worked closely with Washington City to significantly reduce the size of the previously approved lagoons. Without drawing from local drinking or irrigation water supplies, we are turning an otherwise unusable resource into a world-class surf and recreation amenity that will benefit the community.”
The company hopes to begin construction in late 2025 with the wave pool opening in early 2027.
