Currituck Heritage Park Policies and Procedures

Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, NC exists as a symbol of Currituck County heritage and history. It incorporates the historic Whalehead Club, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, all representing a specific aspect of the local past. In addition, the park encompasses almost forty acres of land on Currituck Sound, allowing visitors to enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including kayaking from a public boat ramp, fishing and crabbing from the boat basin, eating at the covered picnic pavilion and viewing spectacular sunsets.

The Whalehead Preservation Trust has adopted the following policies and procedures to enhance the visitor experience while at the park.

Scheduled Events on the Grounds

The following events must be approved and reserved in advance:

Weddings and/or receptions.

Picnics at the pavilion, consisting of fifteen or more people. (see Picnic Shelter Rules and Regulations.)

Photo shoots of any kind that requires extensive use of the grounds.

Not for profit events sponsored by other organizations, such as the July 4th fireworks and festivities or Wild Horse Days.

Activities requiring advanced scheduling (except for the Lighthouse Compound) must be arranged by calling the Whalehead Club office at (252) 453-9040 ext. 2.

Vendors

Commercial activity of any sort is prohibited in Currituck Heritage Park unless sponsored by the Whalehead Preservation Trust. This includes, but is not limited to launching, landing or docking of boats, jet skis or kayaks from any location in the Park, including the Boat Ramp and Boat Basin.

Educational programs requiring the launching of boats from Currituck Heritage Park must be sanctioned by the Whalehead Preservation Trust. This includes activities such as ecotourism, parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing or fishing in Currituck Sound.

The sale of products in the park, food or otherwise, must be in associated with a Whalehead Preservation Trust sponsored event or program.

Use of Boat Ramp and Boat Basin

The Whalehead Club boat ramp is open from dawn to dusk. During waterfowl season licensed hunters may launch before dawn.

Designated parking for boat trailers is provided. Overnight parking of vehicles and trailers or storage of watercraft of any type in Currituck Heritage Park is prohibited.

Boats may be docked at Currituck Heritage Park for no more than 24 hours per county ordinance. Liability is the sole responsibility of the boat owner.

The launch ramp is used only for launching boats. After launching, vessels must be moved to open water so as not to block the ramp or impede channel access.

Swimming or fishing at the launch ramp is unsafe and, therefore, not allowed.

In-coming boats have the right-of- way.

The northwest finger pier of the boat basin is reserved for use by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Additional Policies

Solicitation of any kind is prohibited in Currituck Heritage Park.

It is unlawful for any person to possess pyrotechnics or a loaded firearm.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited anywhere in the Park unless at a pre-arranged tented event.

Guests are encouraged to observe waterfowl and other wildlife in the Park from a safe distance. Harassment is prohibited.

Dogs are to be leashed or confined and under control at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and disposing of waste properly.

Loud music and/or loitering in Currituck Heritage are prohibited.

Mission Statement

The Whalehead Preservation Trust is entrusted by the citizens of Currituck County with the responsibility to preserve, protect and interpret the historic architectural, cultural, decorative, ecological and social significance of the Whalehead Club and surrounding grounds to the public through tours, exhibits, educational programs and events.

Revised June 15, 2007