Comprehensive Shoreline Access/Recreation and Parks Master Plan-1999

1
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lease do not remove.M....
Division of Coastal Management
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
COMPREHENSIVE SHORELINE ACCESS/
RECREATION AND PARKS MASTER PLAN
MARCH, 1999
PREPARED BY:
HOLLAND CONSULTING PLANNERS, INC.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

1
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
COMPREHENSIVE SHORELINE ACCESS/
RECREATION AND PARKS MASTER PLAN
MARCH, 1999
PREPARED BY:
HOLLAND CONSULTING PLANNERS, INC.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
F

' TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
COMPREHENSIVE SHORELINE ACCESS/RECREATION AND PARKS MASTER PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
'
1.
A.
B.
Page
INTRODUCTION...................................................1
Purpose..........................................................1
Goals and Objectives ................................................ 1
'
II.
A.
IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES ..................
Public Recreation Areas . ..............
2
2
1.
Blue Heron Park ..............................................
2
'
2.
3.
Cedar Street Park ...................................
Community Center . ..........
2
. 5
4.
Merchant's Park ..............................................
5
'
S.
6.
Ocean Oaks Park.............................................5
Ocean Regional Access
. 5
7.
Third Street Park ............................................
10
'
8.
9.
Bicycle Path ................
Ocean and Sound Access Sites ..................................
10
10
10.
Neighboring Facilities ........................................
17
'
B.
11.
Commercial
Project Access ....................
and Private Recreational Facilities .
..........................
17
17
'
III.
A.
RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS ......................
Youth .
18
18
B.
Adult
...........................................................18
' C. Youth/Adult.................................................19
.....
D. Special Events 21
'
IV.
FACILITY USAGE..................................................22
V.
COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OF EXISTING FACILITIES ........................
22
' A. Facilities of Other Oceanfront Communities ...... 23
B. National Recreation and Parks Standards ............................... 25
C. State Shoreline Access Standards ...:................................. 33
VI. FUTURE RECREATIONAL FACILITY NEEDS ............................... 36
' V1I. GENERAL DELINEATION OF PROPERTIES FOR ACQUISITION/DEVELOPMENT .... 38
A. Discussion of Development Potential .................................. 38
1. Continued Development of Existing Parks and Facilities .............. 38
' 2. Development of Additional Parks and Shoreline Access Sites .......... 38
VIII. PRIORITIES FOR FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT ............................. 40
' A. Town of Emerald Isle Capital Improvements Program (CIP) ................. 40
B. Summary of 2005 Facility Demand .................................... 41
C. Final Recreation and Parks Recommendations ........................... 42

D. Funding Sources .................................................. 42
1. Potential State and Federal Shoreline Access Funds ................. 43
a. Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access Program ........... 43
b. Water Resources Development Grant Program ............... 43
C. Fishing Access Program ................................. 44
d. Boat Ramp Program .................................... 44
e. Secondary Roads Program ............................... 45
f. Other Programs ....................................... 45
2. Potential Local Funding Sources ................................ 45
3. Potential Sources of Non -Shoreline Access Funding ................. 45
a. North Carolina Department of Transportation ................ 45
b. Division of Archives and History ........................... 46
C. Rural Tourism Development Grants ........................ 46
d. Land and Water Conservation Fund ........................ 48
e. Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) .............. 48
f. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) .................... 49
IX. CONCLUSION/SUMMARY............................................ 50 ,
TABLES
Page
Table 1
Town of Emerald Isle Synopses of Existing Ocean Accessway
Facilities / Sound Accessway Facilities ....................
13
Table 2
Town of Emerald Isle Classification of Park Sites ............
27
Table 3
Comparison of Emerald Isle's Recreation and Parks Facilities to
National Standards ...................................
32
Table 4
Comparison of Emerald Isle's Shoreline Access Sites .........
35
Table 5
Town of Emerald Isle Summary of Year -Round Population
Growth, Selected Years 1996-2005 .......................
36
Table 6
Demand for Additional Parks Acreage and Facilities ..........
37
Table 7
Facility Demand Through the Year 2005 ...................
41
MAPS
Pale
Map 1
Blue Heron Park Site ..................................
3
Map 2
Cedar Street Park Site .................................
4
Map 3
Community Center Footprint ...........................
6
Map 4
Merchant's Park Site ..................................
7
Map 5
Ocean Oaks Park Site .................................
8
Map 6
Regional Beach Access ................................
9
Map 7
Third Street Park Site .................................
12
Map 8A/C
Public Recreation Areas ...............................
14/16
Map 9A/C
Service Area Radii ....................................
29/31
Ll

' I. INTRODUCTION
' A. Purpose
' The establishment by government of great public grounds for the free enjoyment of the
people ... is.. justied and enforced as a political duty. - The Yosemite Valley: A Preliminary Report,
1865. The authors of The Yosemite Valley Report would no doubt wholeheartedly approve of
Emerald Isle's continued efforts to provide adequate shoreline access and recreational facilities
to its residents and guests.
The purpose of this plan is to identify the shoreline access, park, and recreation needs of Emerald
Isle's residents and guests. This plan will provide the Emerald Isle Recreation and Parks
Department with a comprehensive guide for meeting those needs. Specifically, this plan includes
an identification of existing facilities and programs, a comparison of existing facilities to those
of other eastern North Carolina municipalities and to national recreational standards, and an
identification of existing deficiencies and future recreational facility needs.
In growth impacted areas such as Emerald Isle, real estate for shoreline access, parks, and
recreation is often at a premium and needs to be acquired in advance before the land is lost
forever to development. As a result, this plan will also provide a general delineation of potential
properties for acquisition and/or development. Emphasis will be placed on the provision of new
shoreline access sites.
This plan was partially funded through the Local Planning and Management Grant Program
administered by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.
B. Goals and Obiectives
The Emerald Isle 1998 Shoreline Access/Recreation Plan is intended to respond to the following
goals and objectives:
GOALS
* Develop a shoreline access/recreation plan which will be consistent with the town's FY96
CAMA Land Use Plan.
* Establish priorities for acquisition and development of shoreline access sites and
recreation areas.
* Establish a shoreline access/recreation plan which is supportive of 15A NCAC 7M.0300
* Establish a shoreline access/recreation plan which is supportive of AEC protection.

9
OBJECTIVES
Coordinate Emerald Isle Recreation/Shoreline Access planning with Carteret County
Recreation/Shoreline Access planning.
Conduct a comprehensive comparison between Emerald Isle's recreational facilities and
other oceanfront municipalities.
Produce a plan which is comprehensive in its assessment of recreational needs/issues (not
limited to shoreline access needs/issues).
Provide a thorough assessment of existing public and private recreational facilities.
Assess the need for existing and future Emerald Isle recreational needs based on national
recreational standards.
Assess the need for on -street and off-street parking facilities at shoreline access sites.
IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES
Public Recreation Areas
1. Blue Heron Park
Blue Heron Park is located off the 7500 block of Emerald Drive (NC 58) directly north of
Town Hall and east of the town's Community Center. This 2.4 acre parcel, of which
approximately 1.0 acre is occupied by the Town Hall, includes a picnic shelter with tables
and grills, playground equipment, two lighted tennis courts, one lighted basketball court,
horseshoe pits, restrooms, and parking for approximately four cars. However, additional
parking is available at the adjacent Community Center. This facility was completed in
1989.
Map I illustrates the park site.
2. Cedar Street Park
Cedar Street Park is located off the 7700 block of Emerald Drive and consists of
approximately 0.3 acres. This park was completed in 1996 and includes parking for
approximately ten cars, dock, picnic area, and Land Eez wheelchair access to the Bogue
Sound shoreline.
Map 2 illustrates the park site.
2
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Blue Heron Park
Creek
Archer
Playground
Horseshoe Pft
Water ourKain
Restrooms
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Tenni
urts
Basketball
Court
Community Center
Picnic
O
Shelter
with Tables
3 Grills
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41
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Town Hall
W
' Legend
fF Table and Grill
4.-b Bicycle Rack
i Fence
Note: Site plan not drawn to scale.
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a gout provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Manage nent Program. through UW* provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as
amerWW, wftrh is WmiwWred by ris Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Maraganent National
Oceanic and Abmsphe is Admivstration.
3

Cedar Street Park
MAP 2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-------------------------------
Bogue Sound
(9;6 cab
Parking
Area
Sound Drive
a�
c
v
a)
U
Legend
R Picnic Table
& Handicap Access
L�fl Observation Deck
4�01 Bicycle Rack
4
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which Is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Note: Site plan not drawn to scale.

n
' 3. Community Center
' The town's Community Center is located off the 7500 block of Emerald Drive adjacent to
the Town Hall. The 14,697 square foot Community Center and gymnasium, completed in
1991, have added greatly to the town's recreational facilities. The Community Center
' includes administrative offices, aerobics room, weight room, multi -use room, game room,
small conference room, collegiate size basketball court, and restrooms complete with
showers and lockers.
Map 3 provides a footprint of the Community Center.
' 4. Merchant's Park
This facility is located on the state right-of-way south of the 8400 block of Emerald Drive.
Amenities at the park include parking for 25 cars, picnic tables, grills, shelter with
restrooms, bicycle racks, and a water fountain. There is no ocean or sound access
available from this park. The development of Merchant's Park was made possible through
the cooperation of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Emerald Isle
Business Association, and the Town of Emerald Isle.
' Map 4 illustrates the park site.
' 5. Ocean Oaks Park
The Ocean Oaks Neighborhood Park is located in the Ocean Oaks Subdivision just off
' Coast Guard Road. The development of this park was made possible through
coordination between the Town of Emerald Isle and the Bogue Banks Water Company.
The water corporation permitted the town to install playground equipment, a grill, picnic
' table, bike rack, and one handicapped parking space on a portion of a parcel it was using
to operate a pumping station. Although the pumping station is no longer in use, it is still
located on site. The town maintains the recreational facilities at the park while the water
' corporation owns the property.
Map 5 illustrates the park site.
6. Ocean Regional Access
' The Ocean Regional Access site is located on the 2700 block of Emerald Drive. This park
was developed with CAMA grant assistance on 2.3 acres of property acquired in three
' phases between 1991-1996. Amenities at this ocean access site include parking for
approximately 200 cars, bath house, outdoor showers, crossover, picnic shelters, tables,
grills, and bicycle racks.
' Map 6 illustrates the Ocean Regional Access site.

Community Center
MAP 3
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Gre j ,
to
Parking Area
Blue Heron
���� ORS CoggY Park
COMMi+ R
/n
C InL%n%ty COORD OOM
enter GAM
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Parking
FQ CPFNI FkFRC4SFROOM
OUT CHFCK 9
ATH
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�oRp Area
0
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GYM E
W
0
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Town Hal
l
The preparation of this map was inanced In part
through a gram provided by the NO* Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1 gn. as
amended, wtuch is administered by the Office of
Ocesn and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atrnosphenc Administration.
Note: Site plan not drawn to scale.
r

Merchant's Park
Emerald Drive
Picnic Shelter
with R
4yr * Restrooms
Water
Fountain
►Im,
Legend
financed in
The preparation of this map was part
through a grant provided by the North Cardin
a
a
Picnic Table
Coastal Management Program through funds provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
Bicycle Rack
amended. which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
�C
Grill
oceanic arW Atmosphenc Admnstrabo,
Flag Pole
Rope Fence
Note: Site plan not drawn to scale.
7

' Ocean Oaks Park
V ad
duo
s'-
Goa
' Legend
*- Grill
' GL�, Handicap Parking
R Picnic Table
'4�0 Bicycle Rack
� y Rope Fence
H2O: Abandoned water pumping station
MAP 5
laygroun
Area
dQ�aGe
ine��o
P
The preparatory of this map was financed in part
trough a gngnt pad by the NoM Carolina
Coastal Management Proyrm a rmoisids provided
by the Coastal zone Management Act of 1972. as
amended, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Managemerd. National
Oceanic and Afmosphedc Admniskation.
Note: Site plan not drawn to scale.
8

MAP 6
Regional Beach Access
NC 58
Parking �
o
Area
Parking
N
Area
UA110 Ocean Drive
Bath House
1 V ,
Picnic '
sheRer i
1 '
Atlantic Ocean
Legend
Picnic Table cve Bike Rack
> Flagpole * Emerald Isle Fishing
The preparation of thls map was financed in part
Handicap Parking Pier Monument
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through iaWs provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1072, as
------• Boardwalk ----Wood Fence
amended, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
-+-- Rope Fence
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Beach Access
Bath House: includes outdoor showers and restrooms
Picnic Shelter: includes tables and grills
Note:
Site plan not drawn to scale.
z

I. 7. Third Street Park
Third Street Park is located at the 300 block of Ocean Drive. This facility provides
pedestrian and Land Eez wheelchair access to the ocean. Amenities at this site include
parking for approximately ten cars, boardwalk, and observation deck.
Map 7 illustrates the park site.
' 8. Bicycle Path
The bike path is a four foot extension on both sides of Coast Guard Road extending
' approximately 2 miles from Highway 58 to Ring Drive. This project was funded through
the NC Department of Transportation.
F1
9. Ocean and Sound Access Sites
The Town of Emerald Isle includes numerous ocean and sound access sites in addition to
those already discussed in this plan. Site maps and detailed descriptions of Cedar Street
Park, the Ocean Regional Access, and Third Street Park have been provided because these
sites are the town's most significant ocean and sound access sites and provide the most
in terms of amenities. The town has a total of 56 ocean access sites and 37 sound access
sites. The following provides a list of these sites. All of the access sites are dedicated
easements and none of the sites are lighted (lights discourage sea turtle nesting).
PUBLIC OCEAN ACCESS SITES
Signed and have crossovers:
1 st Street
Beachview
3rd Street
Sea Crest
8th Street
Whitewater
14th Street
Ebbtide
15th Street
Santa Maria
18th Street
Nina Street
19th Street
Bluewater Drive
20th Street
Craig Street
21 st Street
Tracy Street
22nd Street
James Street
23rd Street
Purdie Street
Ocean Reef
Lee Avenue
Gregg Street
Seagull Street
Tammy Street
Ocean Crest
Hubert Street
Fawn Drive
Georgia Street
Deerhorn Drive
10

Pi
11
Howe Street
Alex Street
Bryan Street
Edna Street
Cedar Tree Lane
Hurst Street
Channel Drive
Unimproved, but are signed:
9th Street
13th Street
17th Street
24th Street
Rip Tide Street
11007 Inlet Drive
PUBLIC SOUND ACCESS SITES
Doe Drive
Sea Dunes Drive
Conch Drive
Ocean Oaks Drive
Randy's Way (Page Place)
Wyndtree Drive
l l th Street
16th Street
21 st Street
25th Street
Pinta Street
Signed and have walkways:
13th Street (Boat Ramp -Neighborhood -No Parking) Piney Street
Ridge Road Lee Avenue
Cedar Street
Unimproved, but are signed:
8"' Street
16t' Street
171h Street
18`h Street
22"d Street
Ocean Reef
Park Drive
West of Alex Court
West of Edna Street
Cedar Tree Lane
Clark Street
Shorewood Drive
Whitewater Drive
Marsh Cove
Ebb Tide Street
Santa Maria Street
Pinta Street
Nina Street
Indigo Street
7200 Sound Drive
Hickory Street
Live Oak Street
Table 1 provides a synopses of the town's existing ocean and sound accessway facilities.
Maps 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate the general location of all of the town's recreation and park
facilities including parking areas.
11

' Third Street Park
■
1 Legend
H Observation Deck
' Picnic Table
Handicap Access
- - - First Line of Vegetation
I
� �—°- Fence
Ocean Drive
DID
Atlantic Ocean
D
m
W
MAP 7
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Ofke of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Note: Site plan not drawn to scale.
12

Table 1
Town of Emerald Isle
SYNOPSES OF EXISTING OCEAN ACCESSWAY FACILITIES
Accessway Open to Handicapped Off Street Non -Street
Type Public Crossovers Decks Docks Accessible Signed Parking Street R/W R/W Paved
Local 54 43 — — 2 54 2 0 54 —
Neighborhood 1 1 1 — 1 1 1 — —
Regional 1 1 1 — 1 1 1 1 1 —
OCEAN TOTALS 56 45 2 — 4 56 4 1 55 —
SYNOPSES OF EXISTING SOUND ACCESSWAY FACILITIES
Accessway Open to Handicapped Off Street Non -Street
Type Public Crossovers Decks Docks Accessible Signed Parking Street R/W R/W Paved
Local 36 5 2 — 1 26 — 16 24 6
Neighborhood 1 — 1 1 — 1
Regional — — — — — — — — — —
SOUND TOTALS 37 5 3 1 1 27 1 17 24 7
Source: Town of Emerald Isle Recreation Department.
13

MAP 8A
-- I St I t , ,� . - 1 .
LEGEND
OCEAN AND SOUND ACCESS SITES
OPEN IMPROVED
OPEN UNIMPROVED
PARKOJG
0
1.
CEDAR STREET Is SPACES)
A
BLUE HERON PARK
2
OCEAN DRIVE BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH STREETS (13 SPACES)
B
CEDAR STREET PARK
3.
COMMERCIAL AREA SOUTH OF WATERS EDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (50 SPACES)
C
COMMUNITY CENTER
4.
ISLAND HARBOR MARINA (75 SPACES)
D
MERCHANTS PARK
5.
e.
PARK STREET (74 SPACES)
REGIONAL BEACH ACCESS SITE (170 SPACES)
E
OCEAN OAKS PARK
F
OCEAN REGIONAL ACCESS
The preparation of this map was financed in
part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program.
through funds provided by the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972. as amended. wnich
is administered by the Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
9 CAMRON LANGSTON BRIDGE
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS
14
4

MAP 8B
I
� I i I BOGUEI
I i 1 I I I
I
•
I 1 1 1
1
ti a ti 1 1 rT
cr
C 1
r--
1 ► 1 a ; ° 1F �a p
3 r 1 u 1
1 1 1
•I■
• ■ I • sr
A TL ANT/C
LEGEND
OCEAN AND SOUND ACCESS SITES
OPEN IMPROVED
OPEN UMIMPROVED
PARKING O
1. CEDAR STREET (5 SPACES) A BLUE HERON PARK -
2. OCEAN DRIVE BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH STREETS (13 SPACES) B CEDAR STREET PARK
3. COMMERCIAL AREA SOUTH OF WATERS EDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (50 SPACES) C COMMUNITY CENTER
4. ISLAND HARBOR MARINA (75 SPACES) D MERCHANTS PARK
' S. PARK STREET (74 SPACES) E OCEAN OAKS PARK
6. REGIONAL BEACH ACCESS SITE (170 SPACES) F OCEAN REGIONAL ACCESS
The preparation of this map was financed in
part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program,
through funds provided by the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972. as amended, which
is administered by the Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
S O UNO
OCEAN
aN
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS
irwcr . rav
15
4

MAP 8C
' I I BosvE sovao i I I
__ ,■ I I I I 1 t , I � � I ,
Avow M.,
I, i I I• ■ i. , I■ i
i 1'. N N ♦ N ^ N N N N
N ArAl G N t t t E E t t w
, t t 2 t 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ N
. I I �` Iti e 1 I I t t w ^ Y aunv
~ [ I+ tip^ 1 I; 1 w cww
I 1 1 1
I I I ~ 1 I 1 1 • ■ ■ ■ � � ■ I ■ ■ � ■ � ■ � ■ • © 3• i ■ I
■ • I ■ ■ •I i•• •*2 * ■ I I I I ,
I ( is g I a s f s ! r
NiI AV M A f
a ~ p
� *5
A TL AMT/C OCEAN
LEGEND
OCEAN AND SOUND ACCESS SITES
OPEN IMPROVED
■
OPEN UNIMPROVED
MRKING
O
t.
CEDAR STREET (5 SPACES)
A
BLUE HERON PARK
2
OCEAN DRIVE BETWEEN 4TH STREETS SPACES)
B
CEDAR STREET PARK
3.
COMMERCIAL AREA SOUTHOP WATERS EDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (50 SPACES)
OF
C
COMMUNITY CENTER
4.
ISLAND HARBOR MARINA (75 SPACES)
D
MERCHANTS PARK
5.
PARK STREET (74 SPACES)
E
OCEAN OAKS PARK
6.
REGIONAL BEACH ACCESS SITE (170 SPACES)
F-
OCEAN REGIONAL ACCESS
The preparation of this map was financed in
part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program.
through funds provided by the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972. as amended. which
is administered by the Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
F
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS
Auce r. soio-
16

7
10. Neighboring Facilities
In addition to these facilities located in town, there are several recreational facilities of
regional significance located nearby:
* the county -owned Western Carteret Park Community Center located in Cedar Point
provides Emerald Isle with access to: 2 soccer fields, I youth baseball field,1 multi-
purpose field, and 1 softball field;
* Fort Macon, a state-owned facility 2.3 miles to the east of Atlantic Beach;
* Hammocks Beach, another state-owned facility 12 miles south of Emerald Isle near
Swansboro; and
* Theodore Roosevelt Park, a county -maintained facility 1.5 miles away near Salter
Path and Hoffman Beach.
Emerald Isle Branch Library, located on Leisure Lane across from the Emerald Isle
Town Hall.
11. Project Access
Project Access is a special project intended to increase the number of beach and sound
handicap access points and also to provide Land Eez wheelchairs (customized for beach
use) to enhance the mobility of the physically handicapped. Concerned Emerald Isle
families, businesses, and the Town of Emerald Isle have worked together to develop Land
Eez access sites at Third Street Park, Blackskimmer, Cedar Street Park, Randy's Way, and
Channel Drive. Beach wheelchairs are available from the Emerald Isle Fire Department
(near Town Hall), and are available at no charge to anyone who needs them. Chairs come
apart easily for transport in a car trunk.
B. Commercial and Private Recreational Facilities
' There are three privately -owned recreational facilities in Emerald Isle (two on the ocean side; one
on the sound side). Ocean side facilities include:
' * motel and pier, end of Bogue Inlet Drive
* resident parking and ocean access for Ocean Forest Subdivision
The facility on the sound includes the marina facility at Old Ferry Road, with a fishing and boat
supply concession, boat ramp, docking facilities, and boat slips for rent.
1
17

III. RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS
The Recreation and Parks Department organizes programs and events which cater to participants '
of all ages. The following provides a summary of youth, adult, and youth/adult programs, and
special events administered by the Town of Emerald Isle Recreation and Parks Department.
A.
B
Youth
Mothers Morning Out
Youth ages 2 - 4
27 participants
The children meet twice a week for three hours. They learn finger play, sing songs, enjoy
circle time, playing with peers, and preschool activities.
Summer Camp
Youth ages 6 - 12
120 participants
Offers four two -week sessions from 8 am to 5 pm. The children enjoy fun educational
activities in their community. The groups participate in field trips daily, enjoy crafts,
structured group activities, and outdoor adventures.
After School Program
Grades K - 5
20 participants
Children come to the Community Center after school for fun activities while parents finish
their day at work. Activities include homework, snack time, game room and gym
activities, arts & crafts, and group play.
Indoor Soccer Clinic
Youth ages 10 -16
Approximately 30 participants
Organized instruction to teach basic soccer skills and game play situations. Held in the
gym for one week.
Adult
Basket weaving
Approximately 12 participants
An eight -week course is taught to adults. The class caters to individuals of both beginner
and advanced skill levels.
Bridge
Approximately 32 participants
The bridge group meets on a designated night at the Town Hall. The group is
experienced but welcomes beginners with some general knowledge of the game.
18
1

'
Ball Room Dancing
Approximately 10 participants
'
Instructor teaches a series of ball room dancing to both beginner and intermediate level
couples.
'
Stamp Club (youth welcome)
12+ participants
The Stamp Club meets twice a month at the Community Center. They exchange stamps
'
and document current value of one's collection.
Mixed Media
'
Approximately 8 participants
Instructor provides assistance to participants during class. The class has a variety of
media including oil, acrylic, chalk, pen and pencil.
Hypnosis Seminars
4-12 participants
The seminars are offered for weight loss and cigarette smokers. The instructor is a
'
certified Hypnotherapist with experience in relaxation techniques.
Adult Basketball League
Approximately 175 participants
Organized league play held in the gym.
C. Youth/Adult
' Art Lessons
Ages 6 - Adult
Approximately 28 participants
' A variety of art lessons are taught by the instructor. The class includes clay, pottery,
pen/pencil, and painting.
Shag Lessons
Youth - Adult
Approximately 20 participants
The class meets for eight weeks. Both individuals and couples are encouraged to
participate. They learn the basic steps for shag music.
Home Companion Course
Canines and owners of all ages
Approximately 20 participants
Instructor teaches owners how to train their pets on a leash, simple commands, and the
basic K-9 friendly rules for domesticating your pet in today's environment.
Shell Club
Youth - Adult
Participation varies
The Community Center hosts the NC Shell Collecting Club's yearly conference and shell
display.
19

Potluck Dinners
All ages
Participation varies
The Community Center hosts a potluck dinner for members and guests quarterly. Music
is provided for entertainment by the "For Dancers Only."
Aerobics
Teens - Adults
Participation varies
A variety of exercise classes are offered for a wide age group. Fifteen classes per week are
offered. The instructors do a complete program with the beginner and advanced level
participant in mind.
Indoor Soccer Games
Youth - Adult
Approximately 20 participants
Pick-up games for all interested players. Held once a week in the gym.
Volleyball Games
Youth - Adult
Approximately 20 participants
Pick-up games for all interested members. Held twice a week in the gym.
Spring Kayak Workshops
Youth - Adult
Approximately 10 participants
Small clinics held at random in the spring for kayak enthusiasts. Workshops are held on
the beach and in the sound.
Basketball Games
Youth - Adult
Approximately 15 participants
Pick-up games for all interested players. Games are held in the gym two nights a week.
Tennis Lessons
Youth - Adult
Approximately 20 participants
An ongoing program offered to better one's tennis skills and ability. Held on the tennis
courts behind Town Hall.
Swimming Lessons
Youth - Adult
Approximately 35 participants
Organized lessons for a wide range of abilities. Held in summer months at Bridgeview
Campground.
20
1

Tread Wall Climbing Center
Youth - Adult
' Approximately 90 participants
Climbing activities are accomplished via a 12-foot wall that rotates as the climber
' advances. Stationed in the gym, participants are free to use the wall at will. The climbing
center is also used for organized games and activities throughout the year.
' D. Special Events
Halloween Carnival
' Youth ages 0+
75 - 100 participants
The Community Center hosts a carnival to offer children a safe environment for
' Halloween. The children enjoy playing carnival booth games and activities.
Breakfast with Santa
' Youth ages 0+
Approximately 75 participants
Children come to the Community Center for breakfast with the arrival of Santa Claus.
' Santa spends quality time with each child as they share their Christmas wish list.
Easter Egg Hunt
'
Youth ages 0 - 12
Approximately 85 participants
A celebration for Easter.
'
Emerald Isle Sea Kayak Festival
'
Youth - Adult
Approximately 75 participants
A weekend of clinics and workshops for beginner and skilled kayakers. Events are held
'
at different locations in the sound and in the ocean.
Little Angel 8K Road Race
Youth - Adult
Approximately 100 participants
Road race for runners of all ages. Located at the ocean regional access. Overall winners
'
and age group winners are awarded trophies.
St. Patrick's Festival
'
Youth -Adult
Approximately 18,000 participants
The festival began in 1991 with an attendance of about 8,000. The 1999 festival had a
'
record attendance of 18,000. The event is sponsored by The Emerald Isle Business
Association and this department. It features around 80 arts and crafts vendors, 15 food
vendors, children's activities and live entertainment on three stages.
'
21

IV. FACILITY USAGE
All of Emerald Isle's park facilities are utilized on a regular basis by numerous residents and
guests visiting the town. However, because the majority of the town's facilities are not staffed
and there is no other means by which to precisely monitor visitation, it is difficult to derive
figures for facility usage. The following figures have been estimated by the town's Recreation and
Parks Department staff based on general observations. The reader should be cautioned that these
figures are intended only to provide a general indication of visitation.
Facility Visitors per day
Blue Heron Park (includes courts)
60
Cedar Street Park
35
Community Center
175
Merchant's Park
25
Ocean Oaks Park
15
Ocean Regional Access
In season 500
Off season 75
Third Street Park
30
Source: Town of Emerald Isle Recreation and Parks Department
V. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EXISTING FACILITIES
The adequacy of Emerald Isle's recreation and parks facilities may be examined through
comparisons between the town's facilities to those of other oceanfront communities and to
national recreation standards. However, it should be noted that Emerald Isle is unique in its
geographical, cultural, social, economic, and environmental characteristics which make
comparisons difficult.
Furthermore, the national facility standards utilized in this study were developed in 1983 by the
National Recreation and Parks Association and published in the Recreation. Parks and Open Space
Standards and Guidelines. This publication was intended to provide national guidelines which
could serve as an expression of reasonableness and adequacy with respect to quality service
delivery. However, these guidelines reflected professional judgement, rather than an assessment
of community needs, and no two communities are the same. In addition, many communities have
found the national guidelines difficult to meet.
22

1
A. Facilities of Other Oceanfront Communities
' The following provides a summary of recreation and parks facilities offered by seven other
oceanfront communities in North Carolina:
' Atlantic Beach (population 2,255)
Located on the eastern end of Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach maintains 52 ocean access sites
' of which three are considered improved. The three improved sites include two ocean
regional access sites and one boat ramp. The town has only one non -shoreline related
recreational site, a small unimproved mini -park.
' Carolina Beach (population 4,690)
Located approximately 90 miles south of Emerald Isle in New Hanover County, the Town
' of Carolina Beach maintains six public beach access sites, three parks, one recreation
center, and two stages (one with a gazebo) for special events. However, it should be
noted that there are approximately 20 beach access sites and several sound access sites
located in Carolina Beach which are maintained by either the State of North Carolina or
' New Hanover County. The following provides a summary of the facilities offered at the
town's parks and recreation center:
' Mike Chappell Park
* One (1) softball field.
* One (1) multi -purpose field.
* Two (2) tennis courts.
' * One (1) volleyball court.
* One (1) playground.
'
Lake Park
* One (1) picnic shelter.
* Six (6) gazebos surrounding the lake.
'
* Bathroom facilities.
* One (1) playground.
Wilson Park
' * One (1) basketball court with one (1) goal.
* One (1) playground.
'
Recreation Center
*
Six (6) basketball goals (indoor).
'
*
One (1) handball court.
*
Arts and crafts area.
*
Aerobics room.
'
*
Fully equipped kitchen.
1
23

1
Indian Beach (population 184)
Indian Beach, which neighbors Emerald Isle to the east, maintains one improved ocean
access site. No other facilities are offered by the town. However, there is one regional
ocean access facility in Salter Path which is maintained by Carteret County. Salter Path is
located in the middle of Indian Beach and divides the town into eastern and western
sections.
Long Beach (population 5,072)
Located approximately 105 miles south of Emerald Isle in Brunswick County, the Town of
Long Beach provides 55 ocean access sites, ten sound access sites, one park, and one
recreation center. In addition, the town maintains a bike route which includes
approximately 8 miles of signed roadway. The route connects both ocean and soundside
areas and extends past 34 of the town's shoreline access sites. The following provides a
summary of the facilities offered at the town's park and recreation center:
Middleton Park
* Two (2) lighted paved tennis courts.
* Wooden Benches.
�k Trash receptacles.
* One (1) little league field.
* One (1) softball field lighted with dugouts and bleachers.
* One (1) paved lighted basketball court.
* Unpaved parking.
* Lighted covered shelter.
* Two (2) small wooden buildings with concession area.
* Restroom facilities.
�k Eight (8) metal swings.
�k One (1) fiireman's pole.
* Picnic tables.
�k One (1) water fountain.
�k Three (3) outdoor electric outlets.
�k One (1) covered recreational bulletin board.
* Wooden jungle gym.
Long Beach Recreation Center
*
37 parking spaces.
*
Seven (7) swings.
�k
One (1) metal "jungle gym".
*
One (1) circular slide.
*
Two (2) barbeque pits.
*
Two (2) picnic tables.
�k
One (1) water fountain.
*
Two (2) area lights.
�k
Bicycle parking racks.
�k
Shuffle board court.
*
Recreation center building.
24

North Topsail Beach (population 1,091)
The Town of North Topsail Beach, located approximately 40 miles south of Emerald Isle,
does not operate any recreational facilities. Onslow County maintains four regional beach
access sites and the North Carolina Wildlife Commission operates one regional boat access
area within the town. However, these facilities sustained considerable damage during
Hurricane Fran and although open for use, have not been completely rebuilt to pre -storm
condition.
Pine Knoll Shores (population 1,586)
Pine Knoll Shores is located between Indian Beach and Atlantic Beach approximately 5
miles east of Emerald Isle. The town does not provide any public ocean or sound access
sites. All recreational facilities including boat ramps, tennis courts, golf course, and ocean
access sites are privately owned.
Topsail Beach (population 434)
The Town of Topsail Beach which is located in Pender County, approximately 50 miles
south of Emerald Isle, provides 19 ocean access sites and one sound access site. All of the
access sites are unimproved. No public parks or improved access sites are provided by
the town.
Compared to the recreation and parks facilities available at the seven oceanfront municipalities
previously described, the facilities offered by Emerald Isle are well above average. In fact, it is
probably safe to say that there are very few oceanfront municipalities in North Carolina whose
recreation and parks facilities are equal to those provided by Emerald Isle.
' B. National Recreation and Parks Standards
' Each of Emerald Isle's existing park facilities may be classified by function as either mini,
neighborhood, or community parks. The National Recreation and Park Association provides the
following descriptions and standards for each of these park classes.
Mini -Park
Mini -park is the smallest park classification and is used to address limited or isolated
' recreational needs. Examples include:
�k Concentrated or limited populations.
' * Isolated development areas.
Unique recreation opportunities.
' In a residential setting, vest-pocket parks serve the same general purpose as mini -parks
and totlots of the past. They are also intended to address unique recreational needs, such
as:
' * Landscaped public use area in an industrial/commercial area.
Scenic overlooks.
' * A play area adjacent to the downtown shopping district.
1
25

Although the past classification mini-parkwas often oriented toward active recreation, the
new classification vest-pocket has a broader application that includes both active and
passive uses. Examples of passive uses includes picnic areas, arbors, and sitting areas.
Locational Criteria: Although demographics and population density play a role in location,
the justification for Vest -Pocket Park lies more in servicing a specific recreational need or
taking advantage of a unique opportunity. Given the potential variety ofvest-pocket park
activities and locations, service area will vary. However, in a residential setting, the
service area is usually less than a 1/4 mile in radius. Accessibility by way of
interconnecting trails, sidewalks, or low -volume residential streets increases use
opportunities and therefore is an important consideration.
Size Criteria: Typically, vest-pocket parks are between 2,500 square feet and one acre in
size. However, park areas less than 5 acres would technically be considered a mini -park.
Anything larger would be considered a neighborhood park.
Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood parks remain the basic unit ofthe park system and serve as the recreational
and social focus of the neighborhood. They should be developed for both active and
passive recreation activities geared specifically for those living within the service area.
Accommodating a wide variety of age and user groups, including children, adults, the
elderly, and special populations, is important. Creating a sense of place by bringing
together the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood is vital to
successful design.
Locational Criteria: A neighborhood park should be centrally located within its service
area, which encompasses a 1/4 to'/z mile distance uninterrupted by non-residential roads
and. other physical barriers. These distances might vary depending on development
diversity. The site should be accessible from throughout its service area by way of
interconnecting trails, sidewalks, or low -volume residential streets. Ease of access and
walking distance are critical factors in locating a neighborhood park. A person's
propensity to use a neighborhood park is greatly reduced if they perceive it to be difficult
to access or not within a reasonable walking distance. Frequently, neighborhood parks
are developed adjacent to elementary schools.
Size Criteria: Demographic profiles and population density within the park's service area
are the primary determinants of a neighborhood park's size. Generally, 5 acres is
accepted as the minimum size necessary to provide space for a menu of recreational
activities and 7 to 10 acres is considered optimal.
Community Park
Community parks are larger in size and serve a broader purpose than neighborhood
parks. Their focus is on meeting the recreation needs of several neighborhoods or large
sections of the community, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces.
in
l�
11

They allow for group activities and offer other recreational opportunities not
feasible —nor perhaps desirable —at the neighborhood level. As with neighborhood
parks, they should be developed for both active and passive recreation activities.
Locational Criteria: A community park should serve two or more neighborhoods.
Although its service area should be 0.5 to 3.0 miles in radius, the quality of the natural
resource base should play a significant role in site selection. The site should be serviced
by arterial and collector streets and be easily accessible from throughout its service area
by way of interconnecting trails. While community parks should be strategically sited
throughout the community, their locations can be significantly impacted by other types
of parks. Most notable among these are school -parks, natural resource areas, and
regional parks —each of which may provide some of the same recreational opportunities
provided in community parks. The level of service these other parks provide should be
used, in part, as justification for or against a community park in a specific area.
Size Criteria: Demographic profiles, population density, resource availability, and
' recreation demand within its service area are the primary determinants of a community
park's size. Although an optimal size for a community park is between 20 and 50 acres,
its actual size should be based on the land area needed to accommodate desired uses.
Table 2 provides a summary of Emerald Isle's parks by park class. It should be noted that the
town's parks have been classified to a larger degree on function than on the physical size of each
facility. In addition, Cedar Street Park and Third Street Park, both shoreline access facilities, have
been included in the classification below because they also serve as park facilities for the town.
The remainder of Emerald Isle's ocean and sound access sites are not considered parks and have
not been included in the following table.
Table 2
Town of Emerald Isle
Classification of Park Sites
Mini -Park
Cedar Street Park
Merchant's Park
Classes
Neighborhood Park
Ocean Oaks Park
Third Street Park
Community Parl<
Blue Heron Park
As Table 2 indicates, out of the town's five total park sites, two can be considered mini -parks, two
neighborhood parks, and one as a community park.
Map 9 illustrates the general service area for each park and the relationship of Emerald Isle's park
sites to existing development.
27

It should be stressed that the service area radii indicated on Map 9 have been based on National
Recreation Standards as determined by the National Recreation and Parks Association and are
intended only to provide a general estimate of park service areas. The establishment of these
service areas does not necessarily mean that individuals from outside a given park's service area
will not commute to the park. The Blue Heron Park is a known example where, in some cases,
people commute to the park from outside the 3 mile service radius that has been provided.
However, for the purpose of analysis, the 3 mile service radius as provided by the National
Recreation and Park Association for Community Parks has been utilized.
In addition, while reviewing Map 9 it is also important to be aware that because the town's
Community Center serves the entire town, service radii are not necessary and have not been
mapped for this facility.
Generally, the Town of Emerald Isle appears to have fairly adequate recreational facilities in terms
of spatial coverage. The central and western/central portions of the town are served by Blue
Heron Park, Cedar Street Park, Merchants Park, and Ocean Oaks Park while the far eastern portion
of the town is served by Third Street Park. Although the Emerald isle Community Center serves
the entire town as a source for recreational activities, there do appear to be two (2) geographic
areas where the addition of a park could benefit recreation and park coverage and service. These
two (2) areas are described as follows:
�k west from the 10,000 block of Coast Guard Road to the end of the island.
* between the 4,500 block and 800 block of Emerald Drive.
Although the areas described above appear to need recreation and parks facilities, the reader is
cautioned that it may be difficult for the town to provide facilities in these areas due to the
shortage of real estate in town. There are very few vacant parcels of land left in Emerald Isle that
are large enough to accommodate recreation and parks facilities. Potential properties for
acquisition/development will be discussed in Section VII of this plan.
In addition to the recreation and parks service area approach previously discussed, the adequacy
of Emerald Isle's recreation and parks system can be examined through the utilization of
additional national recreation standards. These standards are based on the acreage of park sites
and the number of facilities per capita.
Table 3 provides a summary of Emerald Isle's parks and recreation facilities and how they
compare to generally accepted national recreation standards.
28
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LEGEND (
� RESIDENTIAL IXiT Si
- ,gESIDENTIAL UNITS SINCE 1= Q BLUE HERON PARK - 3 MI. RADIUS
The part tnr gh of this map was y the d
in port through a grunt provided by tns
® COMMERCIAL
©CEDAR STREET PARK -19 MI. RADIUS
North Corollna Coastal Management
Program. through tends provided I> the
MOBILE HOME CONCENTRATIONS
I O3 COMMUNITY CENTER -SERVES ENTIRE TONM; RADIUS NOT NECESSARY
Coastal Zone Management Act df 19T2.
as gmendeq which is aaministered by the
==;< COASTAL WETLAND
Oi MERCHANTS PARK -tl4 MI RADIUS
Office of Ocean and Coastal kesource
Management. National Oceanic anc
1 - 54 BLOCK NUMBERS
Atmospheric Administration.
M« 114 MI. RADIUS
Q OCEAN OAKS PAPK -12 MI. RADIUS
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MAP 9A
TOWN OF ZWERAL D /SL E
SERVICE AREA OF EXISTING PARK SfTES
42
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The preparation of this map was financed
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COMMERCIAL
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North Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
MOBILE HOME CONCENTRATIONS
(D COMMUNITY CENTER . SERVES ENTIRE TOWN: RADIUS NOT NECESSARY
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
os amended, which is administered by the
COASTAL WETLAND
Q MERCHANTS PARK- 114 MI. RADIUS
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management. National Ocemec ano
I - 54 BLOCK NUMBERS
Atmospheric Administration.
��� 114 MI. RADIUS
OS OCEAN OAKS PAPK -12 Mi. RADIUS
••�•�• tl2 kiltRADIUS
• 3 MI. RADIUS
© THIRD STREET PARK - 12 Mi. RADIUS
WATER311ED BOU/C.RY La1E
MAP 9B
TOWN OF FNERAL D ISLE'
SERVICE AREA OF EXISTING PARK SITES
30

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Heron Park
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The preparation of this map was financed
MI. RADIUS
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COMMERCIAL CEDAR STREET PARK -114 MI. RADIUS
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0 COMMUNITY CENTER SERVES TOWN:
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by Ine
COASTAL WETLAND
- ENTIRE RADIUS NOT NECESSARY
Ot MERCHANTS PARK -114 MI. RADIUS
as amended, which is administered
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
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1 - 54 BLOCK NUMBERS
Atmospheric Administration.
1/4 MI. RADIUS
O5 OCEAN OAKS PARK- 112 MI. RADIUS
'
••�•�• 1/2 MI. RADIUS
•�� 3 MI. RADIUS
© THIRD STREET PARK - 1R Ali. RADIUS
WATERSHED BOUNDARY LINE
MAP 9C
TOWN OF ZWER.4L O ISLE'
SERVICE AREA OF EXISTING PARK SITES
31

Table 3
Comparison of Emerald Isle's Recreation and Parks Facilities to National Standards
STANDARDS FOR PARKS
Park Classification
Standard Acres
Emerald Isle's
Existing Acreage Per
Additional Acreage
Per 1,000 People
Existing Acreage
1,000 Persons (C)
Demand (C)*
Neighborhood Parks
3 ac
1.9 ac (A)
0.62 ac
+7.3 ac
Community Parks
5 ac
6.6 ac (B)
2.20 ac
+8.7 ac
Total Recreation & Parks
10 ac
8.5 ac
2.80 ac
+22.2 ac
(A) Includes mini -park acreage (Cedar Street 0.3 acre, Merchant's Park 1.0 acre, Ocean Oaks 0.3 acre, and Third Street 0.3 acre)
(B) Includes Blue Heron (1.4 acres) and Community Center (5.2 acres)
(C) Based on a 1996 population of 3,068.
STANDARDS FOR SELECTED FACILITIES
Emerald Isle's
Existing Facility
Standard
Existing Facilities
Demand"
Baseball
1 per 10,000 persons
0
No demand
League Softball
1 per 4,000 persons
0
No demand
Practice Fields
1 per 3,000 persons
0
+1*"
Youth Baseball Fields
1 per 3,000 persons
0
+1*"
Tennis Courts
1 per 1,000 persons
2
+1
Basketball Goals
1 per 500 persons
4 (2 of which are indoor)
+2
Football/Soccer
1 per 6,000 persons
0
No demand
Amphitheaters
1 per 20,000 persons
0
No demand
Swimming
900 square feet per 1,000 persons
0
+2,761 square feet
*These columns represent the number of additional park acres the town currently needs to serve its existing population.
"These columns represent the number of additional facilities the town currently needs to serve its existing population.
*"This demand is currently being met through the utilization of Western Carteret Park.
Source: National Recreation and Parks Association.
32

Table 3 indicates that based on Emerald Isle's 1996 (the most recent data available from the Office
of State Planning) population of 3,068 and national park standards, there should be an existing
demand for an additional 22.2 acres of parkland in Emerald Isle. In addition, Table 3 indicates
that the town falls short of the per capita national standards in the provision of practice fields,
youth baseball fields, tennis courts, and basketball goals.
The fact that Emerald Isle's recreation and parks facilities fall short of the per capita national
standards should not be alarming for the following reasons:
The Recreation. Parks. and Open Space Standards and Guidelines publication was intended to
provide national guidelines which could serve as an expression of reasonableness and adequacy
with respect to quality service delivery. However, these guidelines reflect professional
judgement, rather than an assessment of community needs, and no two communities are the
same. Furthermore, many communities have found the national guidelines difficult to meet.
Therefore, the pursuit of achieving national recreation standards should not take the place of
common sense and recognizing the needs of the community. Finally, the fact that Emerald Isle's
geographical setting provides a unique opportunity for a variety of outdoor recreational activities
reduces some ofthe pressure on the town to pursue national guidelines. The numerous shoreline
access sites in town provide access to open space along the shoreline where residents can enjoy
recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and walking. These access sites definitely add
to the town's recreation and parks inventory and provide a service which the national recreational
standards do not take into account.
C. State Shoreline Access Standards
The public has traditionally and customarily had access to enjoy and freely use the ocean beaches
and estuarine and public trust waters of the coastal region for recreational purposes and the State
has a responsibility to provide continuous access to these resources. It is the policy of the State
to foster, improve, enhance, and ensure optimum access to the public beaches and waters of the
20-county Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) region. Access shall be consistent with public
rights of private property owners and the concurrent need to protect important coastal natural
resources such as sand dunes and coastal marsh vegetation.
The State has created a Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program (PBCWAP) for the
purpose of acquiring, improving, and maintaining waterfront recreational property at frequent
intervals throughout the coastal region for pedestrian access to these important public resources.
As stated in the introduction, this plan was funded in part through the PBCWAP administered by
the Division of Coastal Management. The North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 7M Section
.0303 provides the following standards as guidance to local governments in the provision of
public access.
Public Beach Access Sites
* Local/Neighborhood Access Sites - one per block in the community;
�k Regional Access Sites - one per locality or one per four miles, whichever yields the
most public access;
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* Multi -Regional Access Sites - one per barrier island or one per 10 miles, whichever
yields the most public access.
Public Waterfront Access Sites (or in the case of Emerald Isle, Sound Access)
* Local Access Sites - one per block;
�k- Neighborhood Access Sites - one per 50 dwelling units;
* Regional Access Sites - one per local government jurisdiction;
* Multi -Regional Access Sites - one per coastal county. Parking facilities for these
projects shall be based on seasonal population estimates.
The state provides the following definitions for the various categories of access sites referred to
above:
Local Access Sites are defined to include those public access points which offer minimal
or no facilities. They are primarily used by pedestrians who reside within a few hundred
yards of the site. Generally, these accessways are a minimum of ten feet in width and
provide only a dune crossover or pier, if needed, litter receptacles and public access signs.
Vehicle parking is generally not available at these access sites. However, bicycle racks may
be provided.
Neighborhood Access Sites are defined as those public access areas offering parking,
usually for five to twenty-five vehicles, a dune crossover or pier, litter receptacles, and
public access signs. Such accessways are typically 40 to 60 feet in width and are primarily
used by individuals within the immediate subdivision or vicinity of the site. Restroom
facilities may be installed.
Regional Access Sites are of such size and offer such facilities that they serve the public
from throughout an island or community including day visitors. These sites normally
provide parking for 25 to 80 vehicles, restrooms, a dune crossover, pier, foot showers,
litter receptacles, and public access signs. Where possible one-half acre of open space in
addition to all required setback areas should be provided for buffering, day use, nature
study, or similar purposes.
Multi -Regional Access Sites are generally larger than regional accessways but smaller than
state parks. Such facilities may be undertaken and constructed with the involvement and
support of state and local government agencies. Multi -regional accessways provide
parking for a minimum of 80 and a maximum of 200 cars, restrooms with indoor showers
and changing rooms, and concession stands. Where possible two acres of open space in
addition to all required setback areas should be provided for buffering, day use, nature
study, or similar purposes.
Table 4 provides a comparison of the Town of Emerald Isle's shoreline access sites to the state's
guidelines as defined in NCAC 7M.0303 and previously stated in this plan.
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Table 4
Comparison of Emerald Isle's Shoreline Access Sites
State Guideline Existing Sites Existing Demand
Public Beach Access Sites
Local/Neighborhood 1 per block 55 0"
Regional 1 per locality or 1 0
1 per 4 miles
Multi -Regional 1 per barrier island or 1' 0
1 per 10 miles
Public Sound Access Sites
Local 1 per block 32 +21"
Neighborhood 1 per 50 dwellings 5 +43"*
Regional 1 per corporate area 0 + 1
Multi -Regional 1 per county 1 0
' The Fort Macon State Park located east of Atlantic Beach serves as a multi -regional beach
access site.
" The Town of Emerald Isle includes 53 blocks.
" Based on 1990 census data, Emerald Isle included 2,418 dwelling units.
The Newport River Estuarine Access Site at the foot of the Highway 70 high rise bridge
serves as a multi -regional sound access site.
Source: National Recreation and Parks Association and Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Based on the state's recommended standards for the provision of public access, Emerald Isle
exceeds the state standards for public beach access sites but trails the state standards for public
sound access sites by a fairly large margin. Emerald Isle would need an additional 21 local access
sites, 43 neighborhood access sites, and one regional access site, all on the sound side of the
town, to meet the state's recommended standards.
Although meeting the state guidelines for the provision of sound access sites may not be a
realistic or obtainable goal for the Town of Emerald Isle, the state standards summarized in Table
4 do indicate that emphasis should be placed on providing additional sound access sites in
Emerald Isle.
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VI. FUTURE RECREATIONAL FACILITY NEEDS
In addition to planning for Emerald Isle's existing recreation and parks needs, the town must also
consider population growth and anticipate what the future recreation and parks demand may be.
According to the Emerald Isle 1996 Land Use Plan Update, the town's population in the years
2000 and 2005 will be 3,480 and 3,959, respectfully. Table 5 provides a summary of year round
population growth.
Table 5
Town of Emerald Isle
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth, Selected Years 1996-2005
1996*
Emerald Isle Population 3,068
% Change
2000 2005 '96= 05
3,377 3,658 19.2%
Sources: Town of Emerald Isle 1996 Land Use Plan Update; North Carolina State Date Center.
As indicated in Table 5, Emerald Isle's population may be expected to increase by approximately
600 persons between the years 1996 and 2005.
Table 6 provides a summary of parks and facilities demand based on national standards and the
population projections provided in Table 5.
Based on national recreation standards and the population growth that has been forecast in
Emerald Isle, the town will need to acquire 28.1 additional acres for parks and construct several
additional facilities to meet demand. However, as previously discussed, these standards are to
serve only as a guideline and should be tailored to suit each individual community. A
prioritization of needed facilities will be discussed in a latter section of this plan.
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Table 6
Demand for Additional Parks Acreage and Facilities
STANDARDS FOR PARKS
Additional Year
Additional Year
Cumulative Acreage
Standard Acres
Existing Acreage
2000 Acreage
2005 Acreage
Demand Through the
Park Classification
Per 1,000 People
Demand'
Demand (A)
Demand (B)
Year 2005
Neighborhood Parks
3 ac
+7.3 ac
+0.9 ac
+0.8 ac
+9.0 ac
Community Parks
5 ac
+8.7 ac
+1.5.ac
+1.4 ac
+11.6 ac
Total Recreation & Parks
10 ac
+22.2 ac
+3.1 ac
+2.8 ac
+28.1 ac
STANDARDS FOR SELECTED FACILITIES
Additional Facility
Cumulative Facility
Existing Facility
Demand Through
Demand Through
Standard
Demand'
the Year 2005 (C)
the Year 2005
Baseball
1 per 10,000 persons
No demand
No demand
No demand
League Softball
1 per 4,000 persons
No demand
No demand
No demand
Practice Fields
1 per 3,000 persons
+1
No demand
+1*'
Youth Baseball Fields
1 per 3,000 persons
+1
No demand
+1"
Tennis Courts
1 per 1,000 persons
+1
No demand
+1
Basketball Goals
1 per 500 persons
+2
+1
+3
Football/Soccer
1 per 6,000 persons
No demand
No demand
No demand
Amphitheaters
1 per 20,000 persons
No demand
No demand
No demand
Swimming
900 square feet per 1,000 persons
+2,761 square feet
+531 square feet
+3,292 square feet
These columns have been carried over from Table 3 on page 30 of this plan.
'* This demand is currently being met through the utilization of Western Carteret Park.
(A) Based on a town -wide population increase of 309 persons.
(B) Based on a town -wide population increase of 281 persons.
(C) Based on a town -wide population increase of 590 persons.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
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VII. GENERAL DELINEATION OF PROPERTIES FORACQUISITION/DEVELOPMENT
A Discussion of Development Potential
1. Continued Development of Existing Parks and Facilities
All of Emerald Isle's Recreation and Parks facilities are well -maintained and in good
operating condition. However, because all of Emerald Isle's park facilities are utilized on
a regular basis by numerous residents and guests visiting the town (see Section IV, Facility
Usage), improvements are in demand. The Recreation and Parks Department has
identified the following necessary improvements at existing park facilities.
* Expansion of the weight room and aerobics room at the Emerald Isle Community
Center.
* Need for additional playground equipment at Blue Heron Park.
2. Development of Additional Parks and Shoreline Access Sites
As discussed in Section V, Part B of this plan, the Town of Emerald Isle appears to have
fairly adequate recreational facilities in terms of spatial coverage. The central and
western/central portions of the town are served by Blue Heron Park, Cedar Street Park,
Merchants Park, and Ocean Oaks Park while the far eastern portion of the town is served
by Third Street Park. Although the Emerald Isle Community Center serves the entire town
as a source for recreational activities, there do appear to be two (2) geographic areas
where the addition of a park could benefit recreation and park coverage and service.
These two (2) areas are described as follows:
t* west from the 10,000 block of Coast Guard Road to the end of the island.
' * between the 4,500 block and 800 block of Emerald Drive.
Although the areas described above appear to need recreation and parks facilities, the
' reader is cautioned that it may be difficult for the town to provide facilities in these areas
due to the shortage of real estate in town.
' The availability of vacant land in Emerald Isle has become almost non-existent. According
to the town's 1996 Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Land Use Plan, between the
years 1985 and 1996, vacant land in town decreased from approximately 965 acres to only
' 38 acres. It is probably safe to say that since that time, the availability of vacant land has
decreased even further. As a result, it is imperative that the Town of Emerald Isle plan
well in advance for its future recreation and parks facilities. In a short time, there will be
' virtually no vacant parcels of land left sufficient enough in size to accommodate recreation
and park facilities.
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With the intention of making the most out of any town acquired acreage, it is
recommended that Emerald Isle develop sites to include both shoreline access and
recreational/park facilities. ,
As discussed in Section V, Part C of this plan, the town should place its emphasis on the
provision of additional sound access sites as opposed to ocean access. However,
considering the shortage of vacant land in town, the reality is that the town needs to
pursue acquisition of any available sites whether they are located on the sound or the
ocean.
The town's Recreation and Parks Department has expressed an interest in several
potential sites for acquisition/development. However, it is of the town's best interest not
to specifically identify these sites at this time. With the exception of one site in the
central portion of town, all sites are located at the western end of town. Potential sites
are located adjacent to the ocean and adjacent to the sound. In addition, the town may
consider applying to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to assist in funding a
stormwater management project within block(s) 43 and/or 44. It is anticipated that such
a project would also include the provision of open space and passive recreation.
If the town is interested in expanding its recreation and parks resources, it is important
that action be taken on the acquisition of sites as soon as possible because of the lack of
additional ocean access alternatives in Emerald Isle. Once these areas are developed
privately, the opportunities for public acquisition will more than likely be gone forever.
Emerald Isle will concentrate on potential recreation and parks sites which meet the
following criteria:
Capable of accommodating parking facilities.
1
* Potential for development of active (tennis, basketball, multi -purpose athletic '
fields, etc.) and passive (focuses on observing the natural environment: maritime
forest, wetlands, unique plant species, etc.) recreational uses.
* Although sites of any size will be considered, the present focus is on larger sites
capable of accommodating a variety of uses.
* Vehicular access to the shoreline at the "point" will be a consideration at the
western end of town.
�t Although outright ownership is preferred, Emerald Isle would be receptive to
leasing a site as an alternative.
Although the town has identified the above selection criteria, the town will consider all
potential sites on a case -by -case basis.
Based on the findings included in this plan, through the year 2005, Emerald Isle has ,a
cumulative acreage demand for 28 acres of additional recreation and park land to meet
national recreation standards. However, if the town desires to simply sustain its existing
39

ratio of acreage per 1,000 population (2.8 acres of total park land per 1,000 population),
' an additional 1.7 acres would be required by 2005. In addition, in order to accommodate
the recreational needs which have been identified, the town will need to construct
additional facilities (i.e., tennis courts, multi -purpose athletic field, swimming). It would
' be desirable for this to be accomplished in concert with the construction of a future
shoreline access site.
I VIII. PRIORITIES FOR FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT
A. Town of Emerald Isle Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
On January 31, 1998, the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners was asked to rank the town's
' proposed Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) in terms of priority. Out of the 24 CIP projects
ranked, eight are relevant to the Recreation and Parks Department. These projects are listed
below and numbered according to their prioritized ranking assigned by the Board of
Commissioners.
4. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC ACCESS. This item has rated highly for the past several years. Funds
could be for sound side as well as ocean side projects, possibly including a pier or boat
launching ramps. The county has agreed to set -aside $200,000 for public access on
Western Bogue Banks if the town will match their funds.
' 8. ADDITIONAL STORAGE FACILITIES. Needed to house equipment and bulk storage. Parks
and Recreation has added small additional space in the rear of its maintenance building
' but at some point in time, another building will be needed as will raw land for bulk
storage. A building was discussed last budget year but was dropped for lack of funding.
' 9. NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT. For the past several years, this item has received very
little attention despite the tremendous amount of usage by children at Blue Heron Park
behind Town Hall. The existing equipment is old, homemade, and out-of-date.
11. SENIOR CITIZENS FACILITY/YWCA-YMCA. Town officials feel that the existing Community
Center is the extent of the town's obligation to its constituency in this area. This does not
' preclude an expansion of the existing Community Center building and does not preclude
the provision of either of these other two facilities if privately funded or funded by some
other governmental entity or agency.
' 12. AIR CONDITIONING FOR GYM. This item tends to come up from time to time but has not
been rated highly for consideration. Generally, the gym has little activity during the
Summer or when the weather is hot as people spend more time out-of-doors. There are
occasions during League basketball play in which games have to be called off because the
gym floor "sweats" when the temperature is high. However, this rarely occurs and
certainly does not constitute the expenditure of approximately $35,000 in equipment cost
plus the monthly costs of the system operation.
19. AMPHITHEATER. A relatively inexpensive item that could provide a lot of interest to and
use by the constituency. Estimated cost with in-house labor of about $7,500.
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20. SWIMMING POOL. Always listed but NO interest by the Board for obvious reasons of
liability and costs. Most vocal participant members of the Community Center want to add
such items but do not want to pay for them. Estimated costs of Pool "operation" alone
is some $90,000 yearly.
21. FISHING PIER. Since the destruction of the old Emerald Isle Pier and since the town now
owns that property, the possibility of a town -owned public pier at the Regional Beach
Access Site has been discussed. This would be a very expensive proposition without some
type of funding assistance.
NOTE: Skateboard Park. There have been many requests over the years for a skateboard park
within the town. The issue has been researched and the Board determined at the time that the
legal liability was the major issue blocking this project.
Based on the analysis included in this plan, which utilizes national recreational standards, there
is a demand for additional public access sites and a swimming facility in Emerald Isle. In addition,
this plan has determined that the town has no demand for an amphitheater (national standard:
1 amphitheater per 20,000 persons). Unfortunately, there are no prescribed standards for the
remaining CIP's ranked above and as a result, this plan makes no recommendations regarding
their provision.
The issue regarding the provision of a swimming pool is one that the town should periodically
revisit. According to the town's Recreation and Parks Department, there are statistics which
indicate that less than 50% of the county's youth can pass a basic swim test. This is an alarming
statistic for a coastal county. In addition, swimming has long been known for its therapeutic
benefits. With the growing retirement population of the town, a swimming pool could serve as
a valuable asset. Although the geographical setting of the town on the Bogue Sound and Atlantic
Ocean presents opportunities for swimming, this resource is seasonal and does not provide a
controlled environment. A controlled environment is a necessity for swimming lessons, water
aerobics, physical therapy, and for individuals with beginning/intermediate swimming skill levels.
Therefore, it is recommended that the town remain receptive to the idea of providing a
swimming facility in the future.
B. Summary of 2005 Facility Demand
Table 7 below provides a summary of the town's facility demand through the year 2005.
Table 7
Facility Demand Through the Year 2005
Practice Fields
Youth Baseball Fields
Tennis Courts
Basketball Goals
Swimming
41
Facility Demand Through
the Year 2005
+1
+1
+1
+3
+3,292 square feet
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' The facility demand summarized above is based solely on national recreational standards. As
previously discussed in this plan, these standards are to serve only as a guideline and should be
' tailored to suit Emerald Isle.
' C. Final Recreation and Parks Recommendations
Based on the analysis included in this plan, local demand, and discussions with Recreation and
' Parks Department personnel, the following priorities have been established.
1998-2002
Acquire an additional shoreline access/park site and develop shoreline access facilities.
* Expand storage facilities for the Recreation and Parks Department.
I Install new playground equipment at Blue Heron Park.
* Expand the weight room and aerobics room at the Community Center.
' 2003-2005
* Develop one multi -purpose athletic field, one tennis court, and one basketball court at the
' shoreline access/park site acquired above.
* Re -assess the demand for a community swimming pool.
1 It should be noted that as additional recreation and parks facilities are developed, there will be
an associated demand for additional Recreation and Parks Department Personnel. At the present
time, Emerald Isle's Recreation and Parks Department employs 5 full-time and 18 part-time
' employees. Based on the town's 1996 population of 3,068 persons, there are approximately 1.6
full-time and 5.9 part-time Recreation and Parks Department staff per 1,000 persons in the town.
' Assuming population growth as indicated in Table 5, the town will need to hire one additional
full-time employee and three part-time employees by the year 2005 to maintain the Recreation
and Parks Department's current level of service. Furthermore, if the town expands its recreation
and parks facilities beyond those currently in use, even more staffing will be necessary. As a
result, it is recommended that as Emerald Isle expands its facilities, it periodically evaluate its
personnel needs and budget additional staff members as needed.
D. Funding Sources
' Funding for recreational facilities including shoreline development projects, shoreline access
beautification, and shoreline restroom facilities, is increasingly difficult to secure. Government
resources have steadily dwindled during the'90s. Federal funding of extensive municipal projects
' no longer exists. Development efforts are forced to increasingly look at local government and
private resources as the primary sources of funding. This section will discuss the funding
resources available to Emerald Isle for comprehensive shoreline development. In order to
' implement a comprehensive shoreline development plan, the town should pursue both shoreline
access and non -shoreline access funding. Potential sources of these funds are discussed
separately.
' 42

Potential State and Federal Shoreline Access Funds
The number of state and federal agencies funding public access projects changes from year
to year, and so to a certain extent town officials will need to keep abreast of these
changes through regular contact with these agencies. In general, it is a well -recognized
fact among state/federal elected officials and employees that the demand for access to our
coastal shorelines continues to increase and as a result, local governments are looking to
other agencies to assist in bearing the cost of providing suitable facilities.
Agencies that provide assistance in the construction and/or acquisition of public access
projects include the Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access Program, Land and Water
Conservation Fund, Civil Works Program, Marine Resources Commission Fishing Access
Program, Wildlife Resources Commission Boat Ramp Program, and Department of
Transportation Secondary Road Program.
a. Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access Program
The Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access Program is administered by the
Division of Coastal Management in the Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources. The program makes funds available to local governments on
a matching basis for land acquisition and public access facility development. Some
examples include the construction of parking areas, restroom facilities, and
handicapped accessible accessways. Grant packages are normally available in
March of each year. In recent years, grants have averaged from approximately
$38,000 to $48,000. The local government contribution must be at least 25% of
the total cost.
Contact: Ms. Kathy Vinson
Division of Coastal Management
NC Dept. of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
Hestron Plaza II
151-B Highway 24
Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone: [phone]
6. Water Resources Development Grant Program
This program is administered by the Division of Water Resources in the
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources. The program makes
funds available to local governments on a matching basis for general and
recreational navigation, flood control, drainage, stream restoration, beach
protection, recreation, and aquatic weed control. There are two funding cycles
each year, with applications generally due by January 1 and July 1. State funds are
available for the non-federal share of the project at the following participation
level: navigation (80%), recreational navigation (25%), water management (66-2/390/),
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stream restoration (66-2/39/o), beach protection (75%), water based recreation (509/o),
and control (5091o). Grants have averaged approximately $32,000.
Contact: Mr. John Sutherland
Division of Water Resources
NC Dept. of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
Phone: [phone]
C. Fishing Access Program
The Marine Resources Commission has a Fishing Access Program for the purpose
of increasing land -based fishing opportunities. The program makes funds available
to local governments on a 25% local/75% reimbursed matching basis for facilities
such as fishing piers, bulkheads with cantilevers, capping jetties, and catwalks on
bridges. Funds are available for projects on coastal waters under the jurisdiction
of the Division of Marine Fisheries, but not for inland waters. Initial inquiry is
made by means of a letter of notification of intent to apply to the Division of
Marine Fisheries. Grants have normally ranged from $10,000 to $40,000.
Contact: Mr. Murray Wolf
' Division of Marine Fisheries
Department of Administration
P.O. Box 769
' Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone: [phone]
'
d. Boat Ramp Program
'
The Wildlife Resources Commission has a Boat Ramp Program and makes technical
assistance available to local governments for the purposes of constructing boat
ramps on either public property or on private property with at least a 20-year
lease to the Commission. The Wildlife Resources Commission will construct and
maintain the ramp; however, they have limited funds for constructing new ramps
and are focusing efforts on maintaining the launching areas they have previously
constructed. In addition, priority projects are scheduled in advance for a two-year
'
period. Sites for possible consideration should be brought to the attention of
Charles R. Fullwood, Director of the Wildlife Resources Commission.
'
Contact: Mr. Don Tobaben
Wildlife Resources Commission
'
NC Dept. of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
'
Phone: [phone]
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e. Secondary Roads Program
The Department of Transportation's Secondary Road Program can be used for the
construction of public roads that would be added to the state's secondary road
network. One example of this type of project is the construction of a short access
road to an estuarine access site on the Newport River in Carteret County.
Contact: Mr. Jack Murdoch
Department of Transportation, Secondary Road
1 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27611
Phone: [phone]
f. Other Programs
Other state programs for land acquisition include the Division of Coastal
Management's Estuarine Sanctuary Program and Natural Areas Acquisition
Program. These programs are generally funded, and projects must meet state and
federal criteria and requirements. Usually, Division of Coastal Management staff
establish acquisition priorities; however, local efforts can bring potential projects
to the attention of the state. Examples of this include both the Masonboro island
and the Permuda Island acquisition projects. In both instances, local citizens'
efforts helped to make state officials aware of the value of protecting the
properties in their natural state through public acquisition.
2. Potential Local Funding Sources
The local government has perhaps the heaviest financial burden with respect to providing
public access. Not only must the local government pay for land acquisition and/or
construction (with or without grant assistance), but then it must also pay for the daily
maintenance of the accessways and the long-term maintenance of the access facilities.
Some of the potential funding sources available to the town include general fund
revenues, general obligation bond revenues, impact fees, occupancy tax revenues,
subdivision regulation dedication requirements, parking fees, volunteer efforts,
foundation grants, and donations.
3. Potential Sources of Non -Shoreline Access Funding
a. North Carolina Department of Transportation
Beautification projects are also funded by the DOT. The Intermodal Surface
Transportation EfficiencyAct of 1991, which reauthorized federal aid for highways
and public transit for fiscal years 1992 through 1997, provided funding for
"transportation enhancements." Enhancements include the following activities:
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' * Scenic easements, scenic sites, scenic highway prorams, landscaping, and
other scenic beautification.
* Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including conversion and use
for pedestrian or bicycle trails).
' * Historic preservation; historic sites; historic highways program;
rehabilitation and operations of historic transportation buildings,
structures or facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals).
' * Pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
* Control and removal of outdoor advertising.
* Archaeological planning and research.
* Mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff.
Enhancements in North Carolina are handled through the state's Transportation
Improvement Plan (TIP) process. The town should contact the DOT and/or its DOT
board member to discuss specific projects.
'
Contact: North Carolina Department of Transportation
1 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27611
Phone: [phone]
b. Division of Archives and History
The Division ofArchives and Historyprovides both planning assistance and specific
P P g P
project funding. Grants are available on a 50/50 matching basis to assist in the
'
delineation of historic districts. In addition, state grants of up to $100,000 are
available for the development and adaptive reuse of historically significant
properties. However, it is not likely that Emerald Isle would have any properties
which would meet the criteria for this grant. The funds are competitively awarded
and do not require a match.
Contact: Division of Archives & History
109 E. Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27611
Phone: [phone]
' C. Rural Tourism Development Grants
Rural Tourism Development grants are available through the North Carolina
' Department of Commerce. Funding varies from year to year depending upon the
state budget allocation. In addition, specific program guidelines are subject to
change annually. The following provides a summary of the fiscal year 1994-95
program:
1 46

1) Description of the Program - The Rural Tourism Development Grant Program was
created by the North Carolina General Assembly to enhance economic growth through
tourism development in the rural areas of the state. The program for fiscal year 1994-95
consisted of a $400,000 fund intended "... to encourage the development of new tourism
projects and activities in rural areas of the state." For the purpose of this program, the
Travel and Tourism Division has adopted the definition of "Rural" established by North
Carolina's Rural Economic Development Center, specifically those counties having
population densities of less than 200 persons per square mile. This includes 85 North
Carolina counties, but specifically does not include Cumberland, Gaston, Davidson, New
Hanover, Guilford, Buncombe, Alamance, Rowan, Cabarrus, Catawba, Forsyth,
Mecklenburg, Durham, Orange, and Wake. Additional consideration is given to more
economically distressed rural counties. Proposed projects should be of a durable and
lasting nature, visible in the community to inspire others to succeed, and capable of
generating measurable, verifiable, long-term economicgrowth through increased tourism.
2) Purpose - The Rural Tourism Development Grant Program is designed to:
* Encourage the initiation and implementation of creative new tourism -related
projects and activities having the capacityto enhance long-term economicgrowth
in North Carolina's rural areas through increased travel activity;
Encourage the implementation of cooperative regional tourism development
projects and activities, not exclusive of efforts within individual communities or
among communities within a given rural county;
�k Provide funds through grants to destination marketing and non-profit
organizations for the development and recruitment of tourism businesses and
attractions;
�k Foster the development and growth of regional tourism marketing and
development organizations in rural areas of the state;
* Leverage funds from non -state sources for tourism development projects and
activities.
3) Eligibility - Any statutorily empowered tourism marketing/development agency, or
legally chartered non-profit North Carolina organization in a designated rural county that
includes tourism marketing and/or development among its major activities, may apply for
funds under this program. Documentation of legal status, tax exemption, and a federal
identification number is required with the application.
4) Maximum Grant Amount- No recipient or new tourism project received a total of more
than $25,000 of these grant funds for the 1994-95 fiscal year.
5) Matching Formulae - The matching formulae favors economic growth in the less
affluent areas of our state. Ranked on the basis of lowest per capita income, slowest
population growth, and highest unemployment, organizations in counties 1 through 20
will be required to provide one non -state dollar for every four state dollars awarded.
Those in counties 21-50 must provide one non -state dollar for every three state dollars,
and in counties 51-85, one non -state dollar will be required for each dollar received from
the state. In fiscal year 1994-95, Pamlico County ranked 58.
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6) Appropriate Uses of Grant Funds -Appropriate projects for which grant funds might be
used include:
* Research - marketing and other types of necessary research or studies upon which
to base a long-range, tourism -based economic development plan;
* Planning - needs assessment and implementation of a long-range, tourism -based
economic development plan;
* Capital Projects - equipment purchase, renovation or construction of facilities.
Capital uses are only permitted in support of program development, and
expenditures for office equipment may not exceed 25%ofthe total grantawarded;
* Training - development and presentation of hospitality, management, marketing,
and/or other types of tourism training programs to enhance long-term economic
growth by improving a community's competitive position;
* Technical Assistance/Contractual Services - services provided by outside vendors
under contract that will result in enhanced long-term economic growth and the
creation of new jobs.
Contact: David Little
Department of Commerce
Division of Travel and Tourism
430 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27611
Phone: [phone]
d. Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is administered for the U.S. Department
of Interior through the N.C. Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. This program makes funds available
to local governments on a matching basis for land acquisition and recreation
facility improvements. This program has provided numerous grants over the past
years, but the amount of funds available is limited and thus grant applications are
very competitive. Grants have normally ranged from $35,000 to $75,000.
Contact: Division of Parks & Recreation
NC Dept. of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
127 N. Cardinal Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone: [phone]
Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF)
Any of the following are eligible to receive a grant from CWMTF for the purpose
of protecting or enhancing water quality:
1. A State agency.
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2. A local government or other political subdivision of the state or a
combination of such entities.
3. A non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is the conservation, '
preservation, and restoration of our State's environmental and natural
resources.
No match is required; however, Trustees may choose to fund projects at less than
100% of the application request.
Grant monies from CWMTF may be used for any of the following purposes:
1.
Acquire land for riparian buffers for environmental protection of surface
'
waters or urban drinking water supplies, or for establishing a network of
greenways for environmental, education, or recreational uses.
2.
Acquire easements in order to protect surface waters or urban drinking
,
water supplies.
3.
Coordinatewith other public programs involvedwith lands adjoiningwater
bodies to gain the most public benefit while protecting and improving
'
water quality.
4.
Restore degraded lands for their ability to protect water quality.
5.
Repair failing waste treatment systems: if (a) an application to the Clean
'
Water Revolving Loan and Grant Fund has been submitted and denied in
the latest review cycle; (b) repair is for a reasonable remedy to an existing
waste treatment problem; and (c) the repair is not for the purpose of
expanding the system to accommodate future anticipated growth of a
community. Priority shall be given to economically distressed units of local
government.
6.
Repair/eliminate failing septic tank systems, to eliminate illegal drainage
connections, and to expand waste treatment systems if the system is being
'
expanded as a remedy to eliminate failing septic tank systems or illegal
drainage connections. Priority shall be given to economically distressed
units of local government.
'
7.
Improve stormwater controls and management.
8.
Facilitate planning that targets reductions in surface water pollution.
'
Contact: Clean Water Management Trust Fund
2313-B Executive Park Circle
Greenville, NC 27834
'
Phone: [phone]
f.
Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)
'
In 1993, the General Assembly established PARTF to provide funding for the state
parks system, local park and recreation projects, and coastal beach/estuarine
'
access
projects. The Parks and Recreation Authority directs expenditure of the
funds.
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IX.
Thirty percent of the trust fund is used for matching grants to local governments
for public park and recreation development, renovation, and/or land acquisition.
Counties and incorporated municipalities are the only eligible applicants and must
possess long-term control of the subject property. School administrative units
may jointly apply with either an incorporated city or county.
Approximately $6 million will be available for local projects during fiscal year 1998-
1999, with $250,000 maximum on individual grants. Applicants must make a
dollar -for -dollar commitment of local revenue to match state funds received under
the program.
Contact: Division of Parks and Recreation
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
12700 Bayleaf Church Road
Raleigh, NC 27614
Phone: [phone]
CLOSING REMARKS
The shortage of vacant land in Emerald Isle places the town in the position of having to plan for
future Recreation and Parks resources well in advance. The reality is that once the few remaining
vacant parcels in town are developed, it will become nearly impossible for Emerald Isle to expand
its parks system. It is critical that the town pursue land acquisition as soon as possible or
opportunity may be lost. History has shown that recreational facilities in Emerald Isle are in high
demand and new facilities will be heavily used and appreciated.
Although the majority of the readers of this plan are acutely aware that planning for Recreation
and Parks facilities is not a means to an end but rather an ongoing, constantly evolving process,
we must remind ourselves that, preparation of this plan is just a small step that must be followed
by many large strides. As we approach the beginning of a new millennium, it is important to
remember the value of recreation and the impact that it has on our mental well being and
success.
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