Crystal Lagoons brings beach to Cola

The land of Crystal Lagoons®, a Public Access Lagoons™ project that brings beach life to the city, is coming to Columbia, with construction anticipated to begin (and be completed) in 2023.

Crystal Lagoons PAL_Rendering1

This rendering shows what the Cola lagoon could look like. | Rendering via Crystal Lagoons

While the land and construction have been pre-approved, the exact location of the lagoon has not been announced — however, we do know it will be located near a residential housing development. The Columbia location will be the first of its kind in South Carolina, with more to follow across the state.

Who’s bringing it the Soda City?

  • Crystal Lagoons is being brought to Cola through a partnership by Greenville-based private equity firm Broadstreet Inc. and Blue Lagoon Development LLC.

How will it look?

  • Imagine this, a turquoise water lagoon surrounded by white sand beaches built for sunbathing + swimming.
  • The public access lagoons will come in two phases. Phase one includes the lagoon, the beach area, and an open recreational space + parking. Phase two of the project features options for developing an amphitheater, clubhouse, wedding peninsula, retail + restaurants.

Is this project sustainable?

  • Crystal Lagoons claims to be an eco-friendly project using a minimum number of chemicals to keep the water clean and consumes only 2% of the energy needed for a conventional swimming pool. In addition, the lagoons operate on a closed circuit, so it’s only required to be filled with water once.

Earlier this month, The Post and Courier shared that plans for a Whitewater Center in Finlay Park are on pause, with plans to begin renovations on the park next year. This Public Access Lagoon will join popular area water-based attractions like Lake Murray and our three rivers, both destinations for various water sports and recreational activities.

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