(PLACER COUNTY, CA) — On September 24, the Placer County Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a massive recreation facility plan. The project, Alchemy Surf Resort, was crafted by the local Inland Surf Co. and is expected to support regional tourism and surfing enthusiasts with its 5-acre inland wave pool.
Visitors and nearby residents will have access to a 100 room hotel, 22 resort bungalows, an “action sports hub,” retail shopping, a member’s clubhouse, and more. The project masterplan was first approved back in 2019 and will sit within the 2,000 acre Placer One community which is currently undergoing development.
Photo Credit: Alchemy Surf Resort / Concept image of the Resort and surrounding amenities
Photo Credit: Alchemy Surf Resort / Map of project location within the Placer One development
The venture began with Chris and Andrea Gallardo, the husband-wife duo who founded the Inland Surf Co. and the business which owns the project site.
Chris Gallardo, a former professional snowboarder, enlightened those attending the September 24 meeting about his personal motivations underlying the enterprise.
“Growing up as an only child in a single parent home, youth sports gave me an important foundation.” Gallardo said. “Over the years, I’ve shared this deep passion for board sports with my family, my friends, my children, [...] Now I seek to share it with others through Alchemy Surf Resort.”
In his testimony, Gallardo cited figures highlighting the rarity of similar facilities across North America. Although 35 surf parks currently operate globally, Gallardo stated Alchemy Surf Resort will join only 10 others within the continental region.
Expected popularity of this rare recreational facility was supported by 2023 projections from the Collier International consultancy. Hired by Inland Surf Co., Colliers projected the Resort will host more than 450,000 visitors annually.
To support Collier's findings, the greatest source of facility revenue is expected from the activities offered at the Resort’s surf lagoon. In addition to traveling-wave and standing-wave surfing, the lagoon will also host training camps and coaching opportunities.
Gallardo noted how some Resort investors have wavered while awaiting full project approval. Given these certain financial insecurities, Gallardo highlighted the facility’s tiered construction plan with prioritization given to its most anticipated installation.
“The Surf Lagoon would be the first goal to deliver,” Gallardo said. “Although we’d really like to deliver it in all one swoop.”
Photo Credit: County of Placer / Youtube / Chris Gallardo addressing the commission at the September 24 meeting
Support for the Surf resort extends beyond the opportunity for inland surfing. Located within the new Placer One development, Gallardo highlighted his expectation for extensive community partnerships.
Gallardo noted the benefits Placer County should expect beyond immediate economic growth.
“Alchemy will create jobs, generate tourism and tax revenue, expand year round recreation, and deliver meaningful programs while helping to establish Placer County as one of Northern California’s most innovative outdoor destinations.” Gallardo promised.
Proponents of the Resort have aligned their views with Gallardo. Local surf enthusiasts have been thrilled and business owners have voiced their excitement about potential partnerships.
Robyn Chu, owner of Growing Healthy Seasons, a local company providing therapy for neurodivergent clientele and those with ranging neurodevelopmental and physical ability needs, stated her enthusiasm at the meeting.
“It can become an economic resource, a community resource, [...] and training grounds for people with many different abilities.” Chu said.
Yet support for the Alchemy Surf Resort approval remains mixed. While entrepreneurs, businesses, and surfers are pleased, nearby residents have taken to social media to share their dissatisfaction towards the September 24 meeting outcome.
Reinette Senum, a local resident, took to Facebook to share her disappointment.
“All we hear about is we are a drought stricken state, BUT THIS can be built?” Senum wrote. “I will now continue to water my yard until it's as green as an Irish garden. I don't want to hear from any elected officials that us little guys need to "conserve water" when this kind of crap is allowed..... and in a flood plain, no less.
According to the September 24 meeting report, potable water for the Resort and its surf lagoon will be provided by the Placer County Water Agency. With project water lines connected to the larger Placer One main line, the report specified no current plan for Resort water recycling, one potential solution for arguments like Senum’s.
Support for the project and its economic benefit has been overwhelming nonetheless.
Barry Broome, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, highlighted the project advantages observed by his organization. Front and center on the Alchemy Surf Resort website, Broome reinforced the widespread sentiment shared by Gallardo and facility advocates alike.
“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.” Broome is quoted. “We are excited to see how this project will contribute to long-term economic growth, improve the region’s quality of life, and elevate the Greater Sacramento region as a top destination for both residents and visitors alike.”
As 2027 approaches rapidly, Inland Surf Co. now has the approval needed to begin constructing Alchemy Surf Resort.
Contingent on investor financing and project phasing, full facility completion is expected within 18-24 months of its groundbreaking. Resort attractions should therefore be available in unison with the last Placer One neighborhood development, estimated by Taylor Builders for 2028 finalization.
Progress updates for the Alchemy Surf Resort can be found at their website, Instagram, Facebook, as well as the Inland Surf Co. website.
To add or correct any information in this report, please contact me at piper.a@lead4earth.org.
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