NorCal is hot in the digital wave pool sphere at the moment. In a WavePoolMag exclusive last May we reported on the SF Bay Area surf park project and now all eyes are turning two hours northeast to Placer County.
Alchemy Surf Resort has submitted an entitlement application to Placer County for a 25-acre surf and recreation complex. The proposed project lies within Placer One, a 2,000-acre master-planned community in Northern California led by Taylor Builders.
According to the company, this filing comes after several months of collaboration with municipal agencies, planners, and community stakeholders. As part of a broader smart growth strategy, the project supports new housing, employment, and recreation in the region.
Community Programming Central to Project Vision
In addition to commercial and hospitality offerings, the NorCal surf park will incorporate youth outreach, school partnerships, surf therapy sessions, and Para-Surfing events. Through these initiatives, Alchemy aims to increase accessibility and promote wellness in the local population.
“Entitlements are more than just paperwork — they represent a shared commitment to the vision we’ve worked so hard to build,” said Chris Gallardo, Founder and CEO of Alchemy Surf Resort. “We’re creating a transformative destination that doesn’t just attract surfers but becomes a catalyst for community connection, improved quality of life, and regional pride.”
Wavegarden and Citywave Technology to Anchor Resort
At the heart of the resort, a five-acre artificial lagoon will feature Wavegarden Cove® technology. According to Alchemy, the lagoon itself is expected to attract more than 200,000 annual visitors while the surf park and amenities anticipate 450,000 visitors each year.
The site plan also includes 20 modern bungalows, a 100-room hotel with a rooftop bar, and powered parking spaces for Sprinter vans. Furthermore, visitors will have access to a café, restaurant, retail shop, cabanas, and a private beach club.
To expand recreational options, the development will include a skatepark, pump track, climbing wall, and a deep-water standing wave powered by Citywave®. A members-only fitness facility is also planned.
Regional Economic Leaders Endorse the Surf Resort
In January 2025, the company initiated a seed funding round to support project development. The Sacramento Economic Council has expressed support for the resort’s potential regional impact.
“This world-class resort will attract visitors from across the country and internationally, creating local jobs and driving economic growth in tourism, hospitality, retail and recreation industries,” said Barry Broome, President and CEO of the Sacramento Economic Council. “Beyond its economic impact, this project will raise the amenity level in the market, enhancing the quality of life for residents and helping to drive momentum for further development.”
Proposed Site Lies Within California’s Historic Gold Country
The surf park will be located in Placer County’s Gold Country, once known for its role in the 19th-century mining boom. Today, the area reflects a balance of preserved landscapes and expanding residential development. Alchemy Surf Resort said they will be a central feature of this evolving regional plan—one that merges tourism, sports, and community in a new model for inland surf development.
