Exciting New Man-Made Lagoon Coming to Columbia’s Oak Hills Subdivision

COLUMBIA — Exciting Developments Ahead with New Man-Made Lagoon!

COLUMBIA, SC — Something pretty exciting is in the works for Columbia! A Florida-based company, Crystal Lagoons, has just received the green light to build a stunning man-made lagoon right in the heart of a new housing development, and it’s not just any lagoon — it’s going to have a beach! This will be a part of the incoming Oak Hills subdivision, conveniently located north of Interstate 20.

What This New Development Will Include

According to the latest announcement from September 11, 2024, the three-acre lagoon will sit at the center of the Oak Hills subdivision, which is set to bring around 2,400 new lots tailored for single-family homes and townhouses at the intersection of Fairfield and Crane Church roads. Even more, the project will border the existing Oak Hills Golf Course, making it a picturesque location for all!

Construction is expected to kick off in early 2025, and local folks are already buzzing about how this lagoon will transform the neighborhood. With cool amenities on the horizon, Oak Hills is aiming to provide a vibrant community hub for everyone.

A Taste of the Beach in the Midlands

What can you expect from this exciting project? Picture this: a beautiful three-acre lagoon encircled by a sprawling one-and-a-half acres of artificial beach! That’s right; sunny beach days could soon be just around the corner!

The Oak Hills community is designed to offer a variety of recreational activities including tennis courts, a dedicated children’s area, and even a peninsula area for weddings! As if that wasn’t enough, residents and visitors can look forward to waterfront restaurants, retail spaces, and even water sports rentals! There’s also a planned luxury hotel – an absolute highlight that will surely draw in visitors.

Creating a Local Destination

Joseph Baldassarra, president of Broadstreet, a partnering firm on the project, shared his enthusiasm: “The approval from DHEC marks a pivotal moment for the Crystal Lagoons project. This significant milestone gets us one step closer to bringing our vision of a vibrant beach lifestyle community in the Midlands.” Baldassarra went on to express that the lagoon and the beautiful beach will provide exceptional, safe, and enjoyable recreational spaces for all ages. He also mentioned that the team is thrilled to create a destination that will enhance the community’s quality of life and serve as a focal point for the entire region.

What’s Behind This Exciting Investment?

This development will mark Crystal Lagoon’s very first project in South Carolina. Having successfully constructed over 70 lagoons in countries all around the world, the company is well-versed in creating enchanting water features. The investment in this project comes as a response to South Carolina’s staggering population growth over the past decade, illustrating how dynamic and appealing our region has become!

The idea for the Oak Hills lagoon was first floated back in Fall 2022, and it looks like it will be well worth the wait!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, Columbia! A glittering man-made lagoon will soon be the centerpiece of a brand-new housing development, bringing a taste of the beach right to our backyard. With endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation right around the corner, it seems life in the Midlands is only getting better! If you’re a resident, you may want to start daydreaming about sunny weekends at the beach without needing to hit the coast. It’s going to be something special!