Australia's Damian Rogers Architecture and engineering company Arup are teaming up to bring a floating surf park to Melbourne for those who enjoy riding the waves.
The concept for the project comes with a beach and a wave pool, and Arup says the park will be the first of its kind to debut in Australia, according to Gizmag. The 172,222 square-foot park will be built in Victoria Harbour, and will use water from the surrounding harbor to provide waves.
The waves will measure up to 5 feet high and 524 feet long. The height of the waves can be controlled, so rookie surfers will be able to practice on smaller waves to get started.
The two companies are looking to raise $8 million AUD to build the surf park, which is currently in its initial stages, Designboom reported.
Damian Rogers, of Damian Roger Architecture, said the idea for the park came after developers spent time thinking of a way to let people surf in a city. In addition to being used for beginners, the surf park could also be used for competitions.
Surfers won't be the only ones who will have fun, as Arup's Monica Hatcher said the park will give families a place to enjoy picnics and children a chance to learn how to swim.
Park-goers will also be able to participate in kayaking, swimming and beach soccer, or they can simply enjoy shopping and helping themselves to treats at the nearby cafe, according to Gizmag.
The goal for Damian Rogers Architecture and Arup right now is to raise money for the floating surf park, and the two companies are currently in discussion with potential backers to get the support they need.
"The city of Melbourne has some amazing attractions, but we don't tend to use the water that surrounds us as well as we could," Rogers said. "This surf park concept would create a beach lifestyle in the heart of the city."
