Outer Banks Forever and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Multi Use Pathway

REAL Watersports, Watermen’s Retreat and Watermen’s Bar & Grill are proud to announce our donation of $15,000 to Outer Banks Forever to support “Pathways to Your National Parks” project that will help build a new multi-use pathway at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

This donation comes in two parts; the first is a recurring annual donation of $5,000 for Outer Banks Forever to use on projects within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This donation will be made annually each year, with this year’s donation specifically targeted at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Multi Use Pathway. The second part is a one-time donation of $10,000 directly towards the pathway.

“We personally witnessed the growth in our community surrounding the installation of pathways like the one planned at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. When the Tri Village and Avon pathways were planned, we were 100% onboard with supporting the project emotionally and financially, as well as through fundraising. The community transformation and enjoyment level is far beyond just a strip of impermeable surface. It brings the community together and allows safe modes of recreation and transportation beyond just driving a truck or car. We’re very excited to be a part of this creation process again.” -Trip Forman Co- Founder REAL Watersports, Watermen’s Retreat, Watermen’s Bar & Grill. Outer Banks Forever Board of Directors.

While the Pathways to Your National Parks project is still in the early planning stages, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Multi Use Pathway is aimed to create a new way to safely access, enjoy, and experience the grounds surrounding this iconic structure. Suitable for walking, strollers, running, biking, and more, multi use means not only different ways of using this pathway, but also different mind sets. The local youth will now be able to safely access the surfing beaches on their bikes. Visitors can stroll the path while taking in informative interpretive signs. Exercise will be a big draw including walking, running and biking. Numerous rest stops, tables, bike racks and shade structures are being planned to add to the experience.

“We’re thankful for the Cape Hatteras National
Seashore, the National Park Service and Outer Banks Forever for spearheading this project and moving forward. We’d also like to thank the Cape Hatteras Electric Coop for their generous donation of $30,000 to help with design and planning phase of the project. Last but definitely not least, is a solid respect and thanks to all our staff for successfully navigating this challenging year as well as a big thanks all our customers. Without both, a donation like this wouldn’t be possible.

“As a business, we feel we have this incredible playground right in our backyard. We get to enjoy it on our time off, and when working with customers, guests, and students. It’s also the main draw that brings so many visitors to our area. It makes so much sense to support it through Outer Banks Forever and see our park improve every year. The Federal Budget is pretty much fixed. Count inflation in there and it’s even going down some years. If we want to see improvements, it will take fundraising projects like this to make it happen. That’s what we want to see. Improvements. Amenities. Visitors excited about what was new this year versus last. That’s why we’re excited about Outer Banks Forever.” - Trip Forman 

Maybe you saw these five masked people measuring both sides of the Lighthouse road Monday? (L to R) Jessica Green, Dave Hallac, Mike Smith, Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy, Trip Forman.

Today, December 14th, several members of the Outer Banks Forever Board of Directors and Park Superintendent Dave Hallac met at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for their first boots on the ground walk to informally survey both sides of the existing road and begin the pros/cons list of location and amenities the path will have. Yes, those 5 people in masks, that was us! The group definitely lucked into one of the warmest days of December and finished the meeting just as the rain and 40mph north winds rolled in. It was a great day to be outdoors making exciting plans for the future.

“We are so grateful to the staff and customers at REAL Watersports, Watermen’s Retreat and Watermen’s Bar & Grill for their incredible generosity that will help us bring this new experience to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Outer Banks Forever was founded with the mission to protect and enhance these amazing parks that preserve the best of our community’s history, culture, and environment. We couldn’t do that without the support of businesses and individuals who are willing to invest in these projects. ” - Jessica Green, Executive Director of Outer Banks Forever

Outer Banks Forever is the official nonprofit partner of the national parks of the Outer Banks. Donations towards this project, or others at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, are tax deductible and can be restricted to the park or project of your choice. To find out more about Outer Banks Forever and the Pathways to Your National Parks project, or to make a business or personal donation, visit their website HERE.