Surfing in Middleborough? $80M Massive Surf Park Proposed

When Massachusetts residents think of surfing, Middleborough is not where they plan to go—until now.

A Surf Park in the Middle of Massachusetts?

The property known as Schobel Farm at 177 East Grove Street is the proposed site of a new surf park that would include a six-acre lagoon, restaurant, bar and 35 cottages for overnight stays.

So despite the town not having any coastal beaches, it may soon be the place to catch a wave in Southern New England.

Honestly, the plan presented at an informational meeting before the town Select Board on June 29 by developers Clay Rockefeller and Jerry Pucillo sounds pretty amazing. They want to build an $80 million, 20-acre surf park that uses Wavegarden technology to create perfect waves for hangin' ten.

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However, many of Middleborough's residents have concerns.

Residents Voice Concerns at Public Meeting

Dozens of locals joined the June 29 meeting to express concerns over the amount of traffic and noise the proposed park would bring to town, as well as the amount of water such a large surf park would use.

How Much Water Would the Surf Park Use?

The facility would likely use around 30,000 gallons of water per day, though town officials say they can accommodate that amount.

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Developers Point to Jobs and Economic Impact

Rockefeller and Pucillo made sure to highlight potential benefits, including promoting "blue health culture," as water has been shown to reduce stress and improve physical and mental health. They said the project could also bring 120 jobs and generate roughly $500,000 in tax revenue each year.

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The surf park would be a huge undertaking that would completely transform a historic piece of land in town. Residents were hesitant to take land that was essential to the town's early growth and develop it into a surf site, leaving Rockefeller and Pucillo with much more to do before their proposed park moves forward. The pair had hoped for a fall 2028 opening, though it seems unlikely.

What Happens Next for the Proposal?

Massachusetts' SouthCoast doesn't have many beaches with surf breaks, so this park could give locals a whole new way to hit the water. Though many are stoked by the proposed project, the developers still seem to have a long way to go before anyone catches a wave in Middleborough.