ARCO/Murray and ADG Spotlight EpicSurf Installation at Heroes Paradise
Earlier this year, ARCO/Murray, a national design-build general contractor serving as the construction partner for the new EpicSurf attraction at Heroes Paradise, joined project partner Aquatic Development Group (ADG) to host local and industry media for a hard hat media tour in Brandon, Florida. The event offered an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world’s first EpicSurf standing wave installation, now approaching completion at Heroes Paradise.
The tour provided media with a comprehensive overview of the project vision, progress, and significance, as Heroes Paradise prepares to introduce a landmark stationary surf attraction to the region. Once complete, the EpicSurf at Heroes Paradise will feature the largest standing wave on the East Coast, positioning the venue as a major one-of-a-kind destination within the surf and attractions industries.
During the event, Heroes Paradise ownership shared the history of the venue and the strategic decision to make surf a core attraction. Media learned why Aquatic Development Group (ADG) and EpicSurf were selected as partners, how their experience in wave development aligned with the project’s goals, and what this project means for Heroes Paradise, the community, and the future of standing waves.
“From the original design of the facility, we knew we wanted some form of aquatic or surf experience,” said Julie Pennenga, co-owner of Heroes Paradise. “After years of research, discussions, and design iterations, we chose EpicSurf as our technology partner.” ADG representatives highlighted the company’s decades-long history in wave and surf innovation and provided a detailed overview of EpicSurf’s deep-water stationary wave technology. Presentations covered EpicSurf’s key features and benefits, including wave adjustability, accessibility, operational efficiency, and the ability to accommodate surfers of all skill levels within a high-capacity entertainment environment.
ARCO/Murray shared updates on construction progress, noting that the project broke ground in late October and that the surf tank is now nearing completion. ARCO/Murray is responsible for constructing the tank and completing the project’s concrete scope. To date, construction milestones include the shipment of 3.5 full truckloads from EpicSurf’s manufacturing facility, the placement of approximately 900 cubic yards of concrete for the surf pool vessel (by comparison, a typical two-car garage slab uses roughly four cubic yards) and the installation of more than 10.5 tons of reinforcement steel. ADG is now finalizing installation of the EpicSurf system as the project moves into its final stages.
“If you’ve ever seen an eight-year-old stand up on a surfboard for the first time—the joy on their face and the crowd cheering them on, that same energy will be recreated in this pool,” said Dan Wagner, Director of Operations at ARCO/Murray.
“At the same time, EpicSurf will serve as a destination for expert surfers and athletes to train. The system’s reliability and predictability allow surfers to progress more efficiently as the sport continues to grow. Heroes Paradise represents a major step forward for inland surf, and projects like this require the right partners to bring them across the finish line,” Wagner added. “We’re incredibly proud to support Tim and Julie’s vision and to be part of this team. It’s not every day you get to build something this technically complex and impactful. We’re excited to turn the keys over soon and watch how surf continues to evolve in this ever-growing space.”
With construction on track to wrap up in May, the standing wave is scheduled to open later that month, bringing inland deep-water surfing to Brandon and enhancing the overall guest experience at Heroes Paradise.
About ARCO/Murray
ARCO/Murray is a single source national design-builder that specializes in commercial construction for Fortune 500 companies and individual businesses. From planning to execution, ARCO’s expert team uses the most advanced design-build methodology to deliver the very best client experience.
With over 200 sports and entertainment projects completed, ARCO/Murray leverages its unique expertise to help clients build their facilities and manage their real estate pipeline and strategy. ARCO’s national reach, engineering prowess, and affiliated specialty groups make them standout design-build partners in this space.
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