Our marsh renourishment project was completed on April 25. Brooks Dredging & Marine Construction added rock sills at the west end of the park. The granite rock consists of two layers of different sized stones with the bottom course wrapped in geotextile that will trap sediment behind the stone sill over time and begin to rebuild the marsh and seagrasses.  Sand can wash over the rock at high tides; however, there is an opening between the rock sills that allows sand to wash in and sea life to swim out.  The marsh should begin to rebuild over time and offer shoreline protection against erosion and constant breaking waves the leads to erosion.

At the east end of the park, oyster catchers have been installed where they will naturally rebuild marsh using a patented UNC system installed by Dr. Neils Lindquist, PhD, of Sandbar Oyster Company. The system boosts oysters’ growth due to the oysters attaching to the special coated tables. Eventually these oyster clusters will create a mass that provides shoreline protection and marsh renourishment.  The oyster tables have a sock or log that runs through the center table that traps and retains sediment behind the oyster reefs allowing marsh to rebuild.  An opening between the oyster beds permits sea life to swim in and out, and eventually revitalized seagrasses grow in the newly formed soils. Over time, as oysters attach to the catchers. residents should not remove them, as this would defeat the purpose of the installation.  

Residents may reserve the picnic shelter for gatherings by making a request through the Contact  page our website. 

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2023 Reservations

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No reservations currently requested

Free Parking Permits—Emerald Isle taxpayers are eligible to receive two annual free parking permits for the Eastern and Western Ocean Regional Access. Parking pass applications became available in person on Saturday, April 1, for application at the Emerald Isle Police Department at 7500 Emerald Drive. You will need a current vehicle registration(s) and driver’s license when applying for your permit. You will receive an email when your pass is ready for pickup.

These parking permits will be granted only for vehicles registered in the name of the taxpayer and are non-transferable. The permit decal must be for the current year and be permanently affixed to the driver’s side windshield.

Paid beach parking began on April 15 and will run through September 15. Paid parking will range from $2-$4 per hour, with a maximum amount paid up to four hours. If you have questions, please call EIPD at 252-354-2021.

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Coyotes have been seen in the park in the fall of 2022 and early 2023. In 2021, someone one lost a cat, and in 2022, someone lost a dog. If you see a coyote, do not approach it. Do not let your animals out unless they are leashed. 

To be considered pervious, stepping stones or pavers must be spaced at least two inches apart over a base of ¾ to 1½ inch diameter stone laid at least 3 to 4 inches thick over a pervious material (such as landscape fabric). Pictured here is an example of pervious pavers. Stepping stones or pavers not meeting these criteria will be treated as impervious and will need approval from the Pervious Allocation Committee prior to installation. Payment for the impervious coverage will be required.

A big thank you to Dave Brown building and installing a Little Library at the Park entrance.  A Little Library is a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book and leave a book. You do not have to leave a book to take one.

The west entrance gate will remain open until mid-October.

About 125 trees were planted along Highway 58 and between the Park and Flip Flops, and drip irrigation  lines were added.

Please do not cut or trim these trees. Also, please do not walk between the trees as a shortcut to enter or exit the Park. Anyone who damages the trees by cutting, trimming, or walking between them will be held responsible for the cost of replacing them.