During the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Dare County Commissioners voted unanimously to place a one-quarter cent ($.0025) sales tax referendum on the November 2026 General Election ballot, allowing voters to decide whether to fund the Parks & Recreation Recommendations & Implementation Plan developed by McGill & Associates.

The plan outlines long-term improvements to parks and recreation facilities countywide, including expanded field capacity, upgraded lighting, additional indoor program space and other enhancements based on public input. If approved, the sales tax rate would increase from 6.75% to 7.0%, generating an estimated $6.1 million annually to support the financing of the $56.9 million plan and related programming.

Officials estimate that more than 70% of the tax would be paid by visitors, with certain items such as groceries, gasoline, automobiles and prescriptions remaining exempt. The added cost to residents is estimated at about $14 per year for individuals and $22 per year for families.

Commissioners noted that the proposed investments would strengthen community health, accessibility and overall quality of life. No tax increase will occur unless approved by voters in November 2026.

Project Overview: 

Februrary 12, 2026 Update:

The Dare County Board of Commissioners has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dare County Tourism Board to develop a 10-court pickleball facility at the former Pamlico Jacks property in Nags Head.

The Tourism Board owns the site, and construction costs—capped at $1.13 million—will be split evenly between the two entities. Dare County will manage permitting and construction and will operate and maintain the courts once completed, while the Tourism Board will maintain the surrounding property. The agreement establishes an initial 10-year term and outlines shared responsibilities for funding, maintenance and operations.

2026/2027

The Dare County Parks & Recreation department will add new scoreboards and bleachers to the First Flight Middle School Athletic Complex. The department will also updating the batting cages and press boxes, and install a fence extension on the softball field.

2026

The Dare County Parks & Recreation department will replace the press boxes on the baseball and softball fields. 

2027

The Dare County Parks & Recreation department will install new batting cages at Burrus field.

2026/2027

The Dare County Parks & Recreation department will install new fencing around the parking lot and multipurpose field.

2026/2027 

The Dare County Parks & Recreation Department will update the Roanoke Island Dog Park amenities and dog play structures.

2026/2027 

The Dare County Parks & Recreation Department will update the Kitty Hawk Dog Park amenities and dog play structures.