Bringing the beach to Solano County, with a beautiful beach-like lagoon that uses 25 times less water than an average 18-hole golf course

13/08/2024

California is known for being home to some of the most popular and iconic beaches in the country. But we continuously hear from Solano families that they have to trek long distances and sit in traffic jams just to get to the coastal beaches where their kids can cool off and have some fun. Family trips to the beach should be idyllic, relaxing, and fun, not wasted on the road in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

For many years, there was little anyone could do about this – until Crystal Lagoons® invented and patented a new technology to build beautiful, beach-like crystalline lagoons with sand and turquoise water while using 25 times less water than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County.

Today, we could not be more excited to announce that California Forever has signed an agreement with Crystal Lagoons to make Solano County the home of the second such lagoon in California.

The new Solano Lagoon will be built in the great park in the middle of the new community in East Solano, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. Importantly, while Crystal Lagoons amenities have sometimes been built to be only accessible to residents of the host community, the Solano Lagoon will be a Public Access Lagoons® project, meaning that it will be open to everyone from Solano County.

We believe that the Solano Lagoon will be an amazing addition to summers in Solano County. Crystal Lagoons technology is known for creating breathtaking, accessible, and sustainable man-made lagoons that offer a beach-like experience wherever they are built. This lagoon is meant for families to spend summer days, gather for birthday parties, participate in water sports, for kids to splash around during the summer (without fear of sharks!), and for everyone to relax in the sun. Visitors will be able to swim in the dedicated swim areas and have access to kayaks and paddleboards – in addition to several other fun-filled water sports activities.

In 2022, Disney brought the first Crystal Lagoons amenity to California, where it is now under construction as the anchor feature for Disney’s new community in Cotino, in southern California.

“Crystal Lagoons is proud to be part of this transformative development that will generate good-paying jobs, affordable homes, sustainable energy, and new entertainment options for Solano County. Our Public Access Lagoons® projects in urban settings are highly valued for bringing a piece of the ocean right to people’s doorsteps. They offer unparalleled entertainment and quality of life while contributing to sustainability, which has earned us recognition all over the country” said Benjamín Fischmann, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.

Here are some photos of real-life lagoons in various locations.

Forming a community working group to inform design and community needs

As with the Solano Sports Complex, we’re forming a community working group to help us solicit input and inform the design of the Solano Lagoon. Among other things, we want the lagoon to feel distinctly Northern Californian while preserving the fun beach vibe and incorporating the best of Solano County. We look forward to collaborating with our working group on that and on making sure the lagoon becomes a beloved part of Solano County and home to so many happy memories of amazing days with our loved ones. The early members of the working group include:

Sean Kazemi, father, principal partner at Kaz & Associates Stormwater & Environmental Specialists, and resident of Vacaville
Kim Wright, mother and resident of Dixon
John Wilkerson, father, realtor, and resident of Vacaville

“As a father and environmental specialist, I recognize the significance of sustainable development, and the new lagoon in Solano County is a prime example,” said Sean Kazemi, principal partner at Kaz & Associates and resident of Vacaville. “This lagoon uses cutting-edge technology to minimize water waste, which is vital in our climate. It’s not just an incredible amenity for our families to enjoy, it’s also a responsible choice for our environment, making it a win-win for all residents.”

“I’ve been living in Solano County with my family for years, and I’m thrilled about the prospect of a new Solano Lagoon right here—it’s like bringing the beach to our doorstep,” said Kim Wright, a mother living in Dixon. “This means we can enjoy beach days without the long drive, making it so much easier to spend quality time together. It’s a fantastic way to build lasting memories and strengthen our community.”

“As a local realtor and father, I’m excited about the introduction of the Solano lagoon here in Solano County,” commented John Wilkerson. “Anyone who knows my family, knows we love the beach and water activities. I can’t wait to watch my kids play at the lagoon. I love that this helps the majority of Solano residents – who don’t own a pool – to have access to a beautiful lagoon nearby. It will create a sustainable, fun space for families to enjoy. I can’t wait to have breakfast at home and then be on the beach 30 minutes later.”

We will be adding more members to the group after consulting with community leaders, elected officials, and residents on who would best represent their respective communities. The working group will be facilitated by our landscape designers CMG, who are designing the parks and open spaces for the East Solano Plan, and who have previously designed iconic spaces such as the San Francisco-based redevelopments of Treasure Island, Hunters Point, and Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground.

Later this summer, we will also take the working group on a tour of some of the existing Crystal Lagoons amenities that have already been built elsewhere. If you’re interested in joining the Solano Lagoon working group or have ideas you would like to share, please send an email to lagoon@EastSolanoPlan.com.

Supporting water efficiency and environmental sustainability by using 25 times less water than an 18-hole golf course

One of the most amazing design features of the Crystal Lagoons system is its sustainability and environmental performance, including using a special molecular film technology that can reduce water evaporation by up to 50%.

The lagoon shown in our rendering, which is about 7 acres and enough to accommodate thousands of people, would use about 20 acre-feet of water per year. That’s 25 times less than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County, which uses about 493 acre-feet of water per year. Please see FAQ below for details.

The 20 acre-feet per year used by the Crystal Lagoons amenity is also only a small fraction — about 0.15% — of the 13,700 acre-feet of water that we have already secured for use by the East Solano Plan, and an even tinier fraction compared to the water supply at full build out. The lagoon can also use any type of water—salt, fresh, or brackish. The water will be part of the overall water needs of the East Solano Plan and, therefore, subject to the Water Guarantee in the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative. Learn more about our water supply plan and the Water Guarantee here.

The lagoons also require up to 100 times fewer chemicals than traditional swimming pools or drinking water treatment systems.

Finally, we are currently exploring innovative ways to use excess heat from cooling operations in the new community’s district thermal systems to heat the water and extend the lagoon’s use during the shoulder season. By reducing the need for Solano residents to travel far for coastal recreation, we also reduce the carbon footprint.

Contact us and discover how Crystal Lagoons can transform your city.

Latest News

Crystal Lagoons® Project Recognized Among the Best New Hotels Across the US

The Crystal Lagoons project in the US, Evermore Orlando Resort, has been making headlines since its opening. It has received a second award in less than a month: the prestigious USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice 2025. This recognition positions the resort as one of the most highly valued destinations and developments by readers of USA Today, solidifying its status as a benchmark for tourism and entertainment experiences.

Located in Orlando, the most-visited tourist destination in the United States, Evermore Orlando Resort represents a new era in recreation and tourism. With a stunning 8-acre crystalline lagoon as its centerpiece, it combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable design to deliver a unique experience that attracts visitors from around the globe.

The strategic location of the Evermore Orlando Resort steps away from the famous Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks, and the huge turquoise body of water has contributed to its allure and to the attention it has captured in public. In fact, the introduction of the amenity with Crystal Lagoons® technology resolves the issue of the lack of beaches in Orlando, a destination known for its vast entertainment offerings but lacking the idyllic beach life.

Another striking aspect of Evermore Orlando Resort is the presence of the first Conrad hotel in the city, a luxury brand of the Hilton chain. With over 10,000 rooms surrounding the crystalline lagoon, the complex marks a turning point in the tourism industry, redefining hospitality standards in Orlando.

In addition, this complex offers a variety of accommodation options, including houses, villas, and apartments, offering visitors an exclusive and sophisticated experience. Additionally, the project features an 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers in history.

“The success of Evermore Orlando Resort reaffirms the commitment of Crystal Lagoons to revolutionize the tourism industry through sustainable and innovative solutions. This recognition positions the project as an industry benchmark and a must-see attraction in the heart of Florida,” explains Ivan Manzur, Senior Vice President of Sales for Crystal Lagoons US Corp.

03-01-2025

Crystal Lagoons Strengthens Its Presence in Mexico With Iconic Projects

Mexico has consolidated its position as a strategic market for Crystal Lagoons, thanks to its dynamic economy, warm and dry climate, and tourism appeal, which creates a growing demand for high-quality bodies of water for recreational activities. This country has become one of the most relevant markets for the multinational in Latin America, further establishing its presence in key cities.

The monumental crystalline lagoons have revolutionized the lifestyle in iconic destinations such as Cancun, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, Toluca, Veracruz, Monterrey, and Punta Mita. These turquoise bodies of water have transformed urban environments, increased property values, and made the idyllic beach lifestyle a reality, positioning themselves as the best amenity in these regions with a significant transformative impact.

Crystal Lagoons has developed trend-setting projects under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments, and real estate projects. Some of the most notable include AVA Resort Cancún, Diamante Cabo San Lucas, and Bluú Habitat Lagoons in Mazatlán. The crystalline lagoon is a landmark in one of Mexico’s fastest-growing tourism and residential destinations.

AVA Resort Cancún, inaugurated in 2024, is the largest resort in the city and a new vacation benchmark in the Yucatán Peninsula. Located just ten minutes from Cancun’s airport, this luxurious complex features a monumental 2.8-acre crystalline lagoon with Crystal Lagoons® technology, surrounded by white sandy beaches. This artificial lagoon offers unique experiences, such as floating cabanas and a wide range of aquatic activities in an exclusive setting, establishing it as a luxury all-inclusive destination.

Also, in Cancun, the Le Parc project is progressing rapidly. This development, located 7.5 kilometers from the beach, includes a crystalline lagoon that creates a third coastline, allowing for a year-round tropical lifestyle. With 960 apartments in total, the launch of Le Parc set a historic sales record, marking a milestone in the region.

In Punta Mita, the Kirah project continues to take shape, offering an integrated mix that includes lots, condominiums, apartments, a beach club, a water club, exclusive lagoons for children, a lagoon wellness center, and restaurants.

“Mexican developers have found that Crystal Lagoons® technology accelerates the sales velocity and increases the value per square meter compared to similar projects in the same areas. On the other hand, these crystalline bodies of water improve people’s quality of life,” highlights Francisco Matte, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons for Latin America and the Caribbean.

20-12-2024

Crystal Lagoons Expands in Brazil with 10 New Projects

The signing of a new Master Agreement with Ecipsa Group, Argentina’s leading residential developer, to develop 10 new projects in Brazil reflects the powerful expansion of Crystal Lagoons in Latin America’s largest economy and one of the world’s top ten. With this agreement, the multinational water innovation company now has 55 projects at various stages of development and negotiation in the country.

These developments will transform Brazilian cities, bringing the idyllic beach lifestyle with monumental crystalline lagoons surrounded by white sandy beaches suitable for swimming and water sports. The projects will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the tropical lifestyle year-round, redefining the nautical experience and providing a safe, natural environment for various activities such as swimming, sailing, paddle surfing, and kayaking.

This Master Agreement is the second Crystal Lagoons to sign with Ecipsa in Brazil, following the success of the first agreement focused on developing real estate, hybrid, and Public Access Lagoons®, also known as PAL® development, projects in the state of São Paulo, the country’s most important region, whose capital is the fourth-largest city in the world.

Brazil, one of Crystal Lagoons strategic markets in Latin America, has witnessed sustained growth in alliance with leading local developers. Among the most emblematic projects are “Brasil Beach Cuiabá Home & Resort,” in Mato Grosso, where the country’s first crystalline lagoon is located, and the luxurious second-home complex “Ponta da Figueira,” developed in collaboration with Melnick-Even, one of Brazil’s most prominent real estate developers.

PAL® complexes stand out for their versatility and are ideal settings for significant events such as concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and weddings. They offer unparalleled scenic beauty thanks to their monumental crystalline lagoons with turquoise waters, illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere. The projects can also incorporate Eco-Heated Lagoons technology, which allows lagoons to be heated without energy so they can be used year-round, even at night.

17-12-2024