A Utah town with a population of 51,000 just had its city council approve some changes that will allow a surf park development. The city of Draper in Salt Lake saw the elected officials approve an amendment to the Veranda West master plan that adds an 8.8-acre surf park to a mixed-use development west of Interstate 15 near Bangerter Highway.
As reported by local news KSL, the project, located within the city’s transit station district zone, includes 418 residential units, a retail village with restaurants and a wave pool. More than 100 townhomes have already been built, while nearly 300 apartments are planned. The original master plan was adopted in 2019 and amended in 2020. The latest amendment increases apartment and retail acreage through the addition of the surf park.
The article said that developers anticipate construction on the surf park could begin this fall, with a potential opening in 2028.
While no technology company was named, a spokesperson for The Wasatch Group told KSL that the surf park will use wave technology capable of producing “consistent and customizable waves” for surfers of different skill levels. Images show the footprint of an Endless Surf system.
“Beyond surfing, the destination will offer a comprehensive lifestyle experience that includes wellness and recovery amenities, private cabanas, social gathering spaces, dining, events, and programming designed to bring people together and create memorable experiences both on and off the water,” Kainoa Clark, Chief Marketing Officer for The Wasatch Group told KSL.
The Draper City Council approved the amendments to the Veranda West master plan and zoning code for the 31.27-acre site, replacing planned office space with the outdoor surf park. The Planning Commission recommended the approval in a 4-1 vote on May 14, 2026.
Developers estimate the surf park will use between 6 million and 9 million gallons of water annually. Sheppard said alternative development types on the same site would require more water. The surf park is planned as a closed-loop system. Developers said the system will collect rainfall and snowmelt to help offset evaporation losses.
The KSL story reported that project representatives said the surf park is expected to create between 100 and 150 local jobs and contribute about $23 million annually to the local economy.
This information was reported by media outlet KSL in Utah. WavePoolMag has reached out to the Wasatch Group for more information.
