Dayton, Texas, celebrated a major milestone on Friday, Aug. 30, with the grand opening of Angel Lagoon, a stunning new attraction located at 15 River Ranch Blvd. at SH 146 south of Dayton. The opening festivities, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, drew local officials, developers, and excited community members eager to explore the expansive 40-acre site.
Angel Lagoon, a pristine waterfront destination, offers white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and a variety of recreational and dining options, making it a new hub of entertainment and relaxation for the Dayton area.
Dayton City Manager Kim Judge expressed her excitement about the opening, highlighting the positive impact the lagoon is expected to have on the community.
“I’m excited for Dayton, our citizens, the whole community. This is going to give the entertainment that Dayton has been looking for. It will be a financial shot in the arm, too, for Dayton,” Judge said.
Greg Angel, a key financial backer of the River Ranch development and the namesake of Angel Lagoon, reflected on the project, drawing parallels to his previous venture, Houston Raceway Park in Baytown.
“It was a big thing for Chambers County when it opened in 1998. This lagoon will be a huge thing for Liberty County. It’s going to start happening really, really fast now,” Angel remarked.
He envisions the area surrounding the lagoon, part of the expanding River Ranch community, eventually accommodating 7,000 homes and numerous businesses.
Angel also shared plans for future developments within River Ranch, including the addition of industrial areas that will create jobs for local residents. Another significant project is a future boulevard connecting FM 1413 at SH 146 south of Dayton to FM 1409 (Winfree Road) south of Dayton. The new road, designed as a four-lane esplanade, is expected to be completed in about two years. According to Angel, discussions with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are underway to potentially include an overpass over the railroad, so that traffic can flow unimpeded.
Looking ahead, Angel revealed plans for a PRCA-certified rodeo arena within River Ranch, which he believes will be a major draw for the community.
The development of River Ranch was initiated by Angel and his collaborators, including Dayton resident Bill Sjolander, Eddie Gray and Angel’s brother, who have been closely involved since the project’s inception. Angel credited Sjolander with bringing him on board, saying, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Bill Sjolander.”
At the ribbon-cutting event, attendees were greeted by over a dozen inflatable bounce houses and a lagoon that is reminiscent of the Caribbean seas. The lagoon, a four-acre body of water holding over 10 million gallons, boasts four distinct beaches and stretches approximately a quarter-mile from one side to the other. It took over a year to construct the lagoon, with more than 60 days dedicated to filling it with water.
Following the ribbon cutting, Uri Man, CEO of Lagoon Development, christened Angel Lagoon by swimming its full length and back—a tradition performed by Olympian Michael Phelps at previous lagoon openings for Lagoon Development. With Phelps unable to attend the Dayton event, Man stepped in to carry on the tradition.
“This is a dream come true, not just for us as developers, but for the entire Dayton community,” said Man. “We wanted to create a space where families could come and enjoy themselves, where people could find a little slice of paradise right here in Texas.”
Michael Garfield, who was acting as master of ceremonies at the event, highlighted the significance of the lagoon, stating, “This is the first ever public access lagoon in the United States to open.”
Man also spoke about the collaboration that made the project possible.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the city of Dayton and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, or without everybody,” he said.
Numerous events, including concerts and shows, are planned for Angel Lagoon. Visitors can stay updated on upcoming events or purchase tickets by visiting angellagoon.com.