Outer Banks - Whalehead Club
The Outer Banks has always been known for its resistance to a true tourist destination, opposing anything similar to a Myrtle Beach feel. Nothing against Myrtle, but the OBX has always made it a priority to be a relaxing destination where everyone feels like a local and is here to appreciate the beach and other natural elements of the area.
The Virginia Pilot is reporting that Corolla residents recently opposed two proposed new fun parks and expansion at the Whalehead Club in Corolla, NC, including two new miniature golf courses and two amphitheaters directly across from each other.
Developer Rick Willis seeks a permit to build an amphitheater, a miniature golf course, a zip line and retail shops on 6.9 acres next to N.C. 12 across from the Whalehead Club.
For the second month in a row the county planning board has tabled its recommendation for the park , following new scaled down plans from developers.
In a separate fun park project, Israel Golasa of G. Holdings proposes to build a miniature golf course and a bumper car ride on two acres adjacent to TimBuck II shopping area.
This is another scaled-down version of an earlier 3.3-acre project proposed in 2009 that would have also included a go-cart track and an arcade. Previous proposals have been opposed by local residents.
Meanwhile, the historic Whalehead Club has asked the county for permits and funding to expand activities there over the next 10 to 15 years, including projects such as reconstructing a caretaker’s house that once sat on the property, a vendors area and an amphitheater on an open field currently being used as a wastewater spray field that would have to be relocated.
The citizens group opposing these developments sees them as out of character for the area. Noting they would create noisy distractions for residents and visitors.
“We’ve got two amphitheaters looking at each other,” said Bob Schultz, a board member with the Corolla Civic Association. “For some reason all these developers think people are looking for the Myrtle Beach atmosphere. That’s not why they come to Corolla.”
But the developers disagree.
“These residents reflect a small percentage of people who own property on the Currituck Outer Banks,” one said, adding that these attractions will add value for owners who chose to rent their homes for the season.
Corolla residents have often opposed new commercial developments over the years. Citizen committees influencing county laws have led to limitations on signs, lighting, noise and gaudy appearances seen at other resorts.
As for the Whalehead Club, which is owned and financed by the county and draws about 17,000 visitors a year, the hope is the proposed additions will bring more locals and visitors to the area and proposed the new caretaker’s house would be used for weddings, classrooms and meeting space.
The Board of Commissioners will have to approve all three projects, but what do you think?
