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Located in Nags Head, NC, a five-acre piece of land holds many memories.
The Dowdy Park you see today at 3005 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC, is owned by The Town of Nags Head. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the current Dowdy Park happened on May 13, 2017. This Park is a recreational area for all ages.
In addition to the Playground, Basketball court, fixed Tables, Chairs, Benches, BBQ Grills, and Restrooms, Dowdy Park boasts an Amphitheater & much more.
Before the Town of Nags Head purchased this five-acre lot, the property was home to Dowdy's Amusement Park 1963 - 2005.
Dowdy's Amusement Park wasn't only a landmark but an annual favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Dowdy's Amusement Park's Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and assorted rides are memorialized not only in photographs but the hearts and minds of so many people. The Season was here when Dowdy's Amusement Park opened each year & the lines for cotton candy were almost as long as the lines for the ticket booth.
Many years back, when there was a draw-bridge between Nags Head and Roanoke Island, many of the Dowdy's Amusement Park rides would cross the bridge each year to be set up on the Manteo waterfront for the local annual celebration of Dare Days.
Dowdy's Amusement Park rides emerged where the Tranquil House Inn is today. At that time, it was just a large dirt parking lot on the Manteo waterfront. When you road on the Ferris wheel on the Manteo waterfront, you could see well past Ice Plant Island, the current day Festival Park.
It was a sad day in 2005 for many when the news was that Dowdy's Amusement Park was not to open its gates again.
Since the Town of Nags Head has opened Dowdy Park, it has been a tremendous success. It is in constant use, not only by the public but organizations, Seasonal Farmer's Markets, the annual Artrageous Festival, and many more.
On October 30, 2021, from 9 am-Noon, The Outer Banks Hospital hosted a fundraiser called "Walk and Wag - A Get Pinked! And More Cancer Initiative" that took place at Dowdy Park 5003 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC. https://www.theouterbankshospital.com/event/walk-and-wag-2021/
Most recently, Outer Banks SPCA has announced on The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce "Event Calendar" :
"Bark in the Park" is scheduled to take place at Dowdy Park on April 24, 2022. For more information, please see Outer Banks Pet Events 2022.
Update: