Myrtle Beach is closer to grabbing state’s first man-made surf park

Myrtle Beach is still on track to net South Carolina’s first man-made surf park after city leaders gave early support Sept. 13 for a multi-million dollar property sale to the project’s architects.

“I’ve supported the idea from day one. We do have a wonderful beach and ocean out there, but it doesn’t produce quality waves for surfers,” City Council member Mike Lowder said. “I just think this is going to be a great asset to the city.”

The council voted 6-2 to sell a 21.6-acre parcel off Robert M. Grissom Parkway for $4.5 million to American Surf Parks LLC, the company behind SurfWorks.

Expected to open in the summer of 2024, officials see the venture as the city’s next major tourism draw.

Plans call for a 10,000-seat amphitheater, a five-acre lagoon capable of producing up to 1,000 waves an hour and 18 bungalow duplexes totaling 36 units.

The city could see about $1 million more in annual revenues from the park once it’s fully operational.

“I see it as a long-term amenity not only for tourists that come in to visit our city but our locals also,” councilwoman Jackie Hatley said. “This going to be something that’s going to be open almost year-round and think it’s a great opportunity for us as a community.”

Still, some council members worried about selling the parcel — a change from earlier talks involving a long-term lease with the company.

Under the terms of the deal, the city can repurchase the land should the project fall through.