The Only White Sand Beach in North Texas Is in Prosper
“It took me five years to get it done, but we were the first ones in Dallas to do it,” says Craig Martin, Windsong Ranch CEO, about The Lagoon in Prosper. He first got the idea for a suburban beach while on a trip to Cabo, where he saw one at a resort. This particular artificial body of water overlooked the perilous waves of the Pacific Ocean. Martin realized he could bring the safety and socialization of a controlled beach to a master-planned community back home.
“When you’re at the beach on a lounge chair, enjoying yourself, you talk to the people next to you,” he says. “Your kids are playing together. You didn’t know them yesterday—after a day at the beach together, you’re best friends.”
Five years and 5,200 tons of white Arizona sand later, The Lagoon was built. A collaboration between Windsong Ranch and licensing company Crystal Lagoons, the Prosper amenity was the fourth Lagoon built in the United States. Now there are more than 275 such projects in various development stages across 23 states. “It is a hard project to do because people haven’t done it,” Martin says. “All the technology is new. Doing it right is the challenge.”
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps cut the ribbon in Prosper in 2019. Since then, the backyard beach has been open year-round, save for occasional routine maintenance. “Once we got it done and got it right, it’s been beautiful,” he says.
A white lining replicates the effect of a white-bottom ocean, reflecting the blue of the sky. The coastline is roughly 2 feet deep and is replenished with sand when needed. The water is 8 feet at its greatest depth. A team of pool monitors keeps the water safe for swimmers, and an advanced reverse osmosis system eliminates the need for chlorination, resulting in significantly fewer chemicals than traditional swimming pools.
Community members enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking in the 5-acre-wide body of water. The other 7 acres of the property are taken up by beach volleyball courts, barbecue pits, and a seating area. The Lagoon is only for residents, who are allowed a limited number of guests per day.