Progress is continuing on the highly anticipated Angel Lagoon, a public-access manmade lagoon located at the entrance of the River Ranch community on SH 146 south of Dayton. This state-of-the-art facility, set to become a major recreational attraction, includes a 40-acre amenity village. Developers envision this village eventually being surrounded by 150 acres of commercial development, creating a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
Construction on Angel Lagoon officially broke ground in November 2023. The initial plan aimed for the lagoon to be ready for public use at the start of the summer. However, weather delays and other unforeseen factors have slowed progress slightly. Despite these setbacks, Uri Man, CEO of The Lagoon Development Company, remains optimistic.
“We are full speed ahead right now. We expect the lagoon to be more or less 100 percent complete by July 4, but the swimming will probably start at the end of August once all of the water in the lagoon has been stabilized,” Man said.
To provide a glimpse of what is to come, a sneak peek preview of Angel Lagoon is being planned for the Fourth of July. This event will allow the community to see the nearly finished lagoon and the surrounding amenities, generating excitement for the grand opening in late summer.
Angel Lagoon is designed to feature crystal-clear water similar to the Caribbean Ocean, promising a visually stunning and inviting environment. When the facility opens in late summer, all watercraft activities, including sailboats, paddle boarding, and kayaking, will be available. Additionally, there will be a heated swim zone to extend the fun into the cooler months. Guests can also enjoy an open-air palapa grill, offering a variety of refreshments such as burgers, tacos, pina coladas, and margaritas.
Man projects that the lagoon will employ up to 200 people, though the hours for some employees in the winter months may be scaled back, possibly to weekends only. During the winter, the lagoon will still offer attractions, with plans for concerts and other types of events to keep the community engaged year-round.
Man emphasized the economic benefits that Angel Lagoon will bring to the area.
“It’s going to be a very big economic impact on the overall Liberty County area, just bringing in more tourism and generating more home construction as the area becomes more attractive.”
He also addressed a common misconception that Angel Lagoon would be exclusive to River Ranch residents.
“This Lagoon is a public access beach that everyone can come and enjoy,” Man explained.
“It’s really going to be a first-class facility with so much beautiful landscaping. You are going to see paradise emerge in Dayton, Texas. It’s going to be amazing and super transformative.”
Man called the facility a game changer for the community, providing a resort-type environment without the need to travel far from home.
“Now people will be able to drive from their houses and go to beautiful turquoise blue water and white sandy beaches,” he said.
Looking ahead, there are plans for additional amenities, including condos, near the lagoon, though the timeline for additional growth is uncertain.
“Once the lagoon is open and operating, we will start to have more serious discussions with the developers of those types of projects. It could happen much more quickly than we expect, but we don’t really have the timing on it yet,” Man said.
He also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I’m excited to go swimming!”