RODANTHE
Miles of beach run along the villages of Hatteras Island, but getting to them has often involved parking far away and tromping over private property.
The problem has been most acute in Mirlo Beach, where property owners have complained about surfers parking in driveways, changing on the road and using outdoor showers as restroom facilities.
Now Dare County is proposing to build its first beach access and parking area on the island at Rodanthe, just south of the popular surfing spot known as "S-turns."
"We're hoping that will alleviate that - that's why we're looking at bathrooms and parking," Lee Wrenn, Dare County special projects manager, said about the lack of facilities for the surfers. "Certainly, that's what we would like to do."
The proposed access would be on about 7 acres of county land adjacent to the Mac Midgett water plant on N.C. 12.
Plans for the site include a parking area with bike racks, a picnic area and public restrooms on the portion next to the road. For the beachfront strip, situated on high ground, the proposal includes a gazebo, a volleyball area, restrooms, showers, a wooden access to the beach and possibly a playground.
Wrenn said the county bought the land in December for $800,000 and expects to get reimbursed by grants from the state. About one-third of the property is wetlands that a road will cross. About 2 acres of beachfront land in front of the water plant that the county already owns will also be used in the project, he said.
Before Wrenn completes the proposal, he said, the county wants to hear what residents would like to see at the site. A final application for a grant for the infrastructure is due by April, he said, and the county should know by the end of the summer whether it is approved.
Tim White, the county's director of public services, said he has heard positive things so far from folks on Hatteras Island.
"Their primary concern is that there would be off-road parking," he said. "Everything that we plan on putting on that site, they were totally for that."
And the surfers he's talked to were especially happy, White said. "They were all excited that there'd be outdoor showers. They'd all said they'd utilize the parking area."
The Dare County Parks and Recreation Department is holding a public meeting at 7 tonight at the Rodanthe Waves Salvo Community Building in Rodanthe to take public comment.
Catherine Kozak, (252) 441-1711, cate.kozak@pilotonline.com
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Only One Park, Pull Out?
The beach along the S-Turns has been hotly firing waves since the late 60's. Geographically, this location is nearly the farthest east of any spot along the OBX. The waves are naturally focused on the sculptured sanbars at the boundary between Pea Island and north Rodanthe. The road at that point has steadly moved westward as the ocean reclaims her shores over time and chews away at what man believes is his. Wait a couple of storms and the offending homes and elitist might just fall into the sea. Whereas the park idea is keen and welcomed, the surfing community will continue to deploy at S-Turns and park along the road when the park is full, so it had better be a big one. Loads of people should be expected walking along the beach front between the park and the sought after surf break. Will the renters of those beach front storm targets insist that the beach is theirs and no one shall linger? Why doesn't the Park service partner with Dare County and place a parking location soundward of the road at Mirlo Beach, and the water plant?
If you surf, don't stop. If
If you surf, don't stop. If you don't surf, never start.