Dare County plans an oceanfront park near turtles and shorebird nesting areas.
The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported the county plans to spend nearly $1.5 million for a boardwalk, parking spaces, a picnic pavilion and other facilities next to the water plant in Rodanthe.
Access to the ocean is limited in Rodanthe, Avon and Salvo in the federally owned Outer Banks seashore. The National Park Service often closes a ramp near the ocean to protect the nesting sites.
Dare County Commissioner Allen Burrus says visitors trying to get to the beach currently have to park and walk across private property. He says the new park will provide plenty of parking.
Cyndy Holda with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore says sea turtle nests could be protected with plastic fencing.
