OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - Oceanside could be getting a new active sports complex, complete with a man-made wave pool, perfect for surfing competitions, according to Mayor Peter Weiss.
The idea is in it's beginning stages, no formal paperwork has been submitted to the city clerk. 10News spoke with her Wednesday and she said the developer, Zephyer Partners, has been talking with council members.
Neighbors have already been hearing construction equipment hacking away at the remains of the drive-in that operated before the swap meet took over.
"When I was driving by and I saw you standing here I thought I need to find out because she probably knows more than I do," Neighbor Liz Lewellen said.
She said the neighborhood has been wondering what could happen to the lot. Mayor Weiss told 10News the developer gave him this pitch, "n active sports complex, there would be a BMX track, a climbing wall, things like that, it would also have a hotel and then sports oriented retail."
He also described a wave pool that mimics the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch in Fresno. The facility is state-of-the-art and perfect for competitions.
The idea sparking interest in the community. Lewellen was shocked and excited when she heard.
"I love the idea that it's commercial coming in because this area desperately needs more restaurants more things," Lewellen said. "So that's really exciting, I know that we have the skate park up the street and that's been a god send for the kids and the active people in the neighborhood."
Thursday Zephyr Partners will host a community workshop at Saint Mary Star of the Sea School from 6-8 p.m.
"It's something unique, I think I'd like to actually see the plans what they're proposing," Weiss said.
When asked if Lewellen would try out the wave pool, "I've always wanted to learn how to surf," she said laughing, "so maybe, we'll see, if it's the perfect wave, maybe someone can train me how to perfectly get up on the board."
Lewellen had one concern though, wondering how traffic would affect her drive to and from home.
Zephyr Partners did not respond to 10News's request for comment. On their website is this FAQ:
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Q: What is being done on the site today?
A: The swap meet is being demolished and the site is being graded pursuant to the approved Pavilion Project.
Q: What is the approved Pavilion Project?
A: The Pavilion Project was approved in 2008 for approximately 950,000 square feet of commercial uses such as various retail shops and restaurants.
Q: How long will the grading activities last?
A: The grading will take about 12 months to complete.
Q: Are you going to build the Pavilion Project?
A: It is possible that we move forward with the Pavilion Project, however we are considering alternatives that would improve the development.
Q: How can I learn more about the project and any potential revisions?
A: Please email us at info@zephyrpartners.com to be added to our distribution list.
