$200M Surf Resort in McKinney Breaks Ground

North Texans will have a new spot to cool off and have a blast following the groundbreaking of the Cannon Beach waterpark and resort in McKinney.

Officials gathered on the project site at the northeast corner of State Highway 121 and Stacy Road this week to mark the start of construction on what will be a 35-acre regional water recreation destination with a lazy river, 3-acre surf lagoon, mineral hot springs circuit, and hotel. The first phase of the development might be ready in time for the summer of 2027.

“Families in McKinney, and visitors to our city, will soon have a place that adds more ways to relax and enjoy time together,” said George Fuller, former mayor of McKinney and current board chair of the McKinney Community Development Corporation. “We are proud to support projects like Cannon Beach that enrich everyday life, and this project builds on the sense of connection that makes our community special.”

The $200 million project is a joint venture between the McKinney CDC, McKinney Economic Development Corporation, the city, and developer Cole Cannon, who built a similar surf resort in Mesa, Arizona.

“In partnership with the City, we’re creating a place where families build indelible memories, visitors explore, and businesses thrive, all centered around a surf experience you won’t find anywhere else in the state,” Cannon said.

The waterpark and resort are expected to see some 400,000 guests annually, with stakeholders putting the job gains at over 700 and estimating an economic impact of more than $2 billion across 20 years of operation.

“Our community continues to attract projects that open new doors for local workers and strengthen McKinney’s economy,” said McKinney EDC board chair Brian Loughmiller. “This development will help draw investment and support a strong business environment, and the MEDC is proud to play a role in bringing it to our city.”

Additional amenities include a movie theater, bowling alley, skate park, health club, and indoor recreation.

“This groundbreaking marks an important moment for our city’s future. The project brings new energy to McKinney, supporting growth that provides residents with more activities to enjoy while opening new avenues for local businesses to serve visitors and benefit from the increased activity this destination will attract,” said Mayor Bill Cox.

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McKinney’s been a major center of growth in Collin County and North Texas broadly. More than 220,000 people are estimated to be living in the city limits, with the population quadrupling over the last couple of decades. No longer just another small suburban town in the D-FW, McKinney has put itself on the map with plenty of new amenities and job and housing opportunities.