Building Community Through Recreation

OBX Rec is the Outer Banks Recreation Coalition: one community voice for parks, trails, courts, fields, water, and play across Dare County. We bring every recreation group to the same table so the people who actually use these places help decide what gets built next.

Movement is health, for the body and the mind. A more active Outer Banks is a healthier and more connected one, for the families who live here all year and the visitors who love it. That is the future we are organizing for, and we would love your help building it.

What we're working toward

These come straight from Dare County's own recreation surveys and plan. They are the needs we hear about most:

Pools and aquatics. Swimming ranked the number one need in the county's surveys, across every part of Dare.
Ballfields, courts, and lights so leagues, tournaments, and pickup games have a real home.
Connected trails and bike-and-walk paths that link our towns and keep people safe getting there.
Indoor recreation space for programs that run year round, in any weather.
Better access to the beaches, water, and open space we already have.

How we do it

Engage: We show up to county meetings prepared, with one clear and friendly voice.
Empower: Every sport and interest gets a seat at the table, from pickleball to paddling to youth soccer.
Build: We advocate for the facilities, access, and programs the community asks for.
Move: We put on events and celebrate an active, outdoor Outer Banks life.

Take action today

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Show up to a meeting or event
Volunteer your time
Submit an idea for your sport or neighborhood
Donate to support the work

Next key date

Parks & Recreation Advisory Council meeting
Wednesday, September 3, 2026 at 6:00pm
Lions Club, Manteo

This is our first big chance to present a unified vision to the county. If you can be in the room, you matter more than you think. See all upcoming dates.

And on November 3, 2026, Dare County voters decide on a quarter-cent sales tax that would put roughly $6.1 million a year toward parks and recreation. Learn the facts on our Transparency page.