| Southern Shores at a Glance The community of Southern Shores was the brainchild of Frank Stick, a famous wildlife painter, environmentalist, and long-time Outer Banker who recognized the need to preserve the area´s overwhelming natural beauty while developing its promising investment potential. In 1947, Stick and two partners from Elizabeth City formed the Kitty Hawk Land Company, bought four square miles (2600 acres) of property for $30,000, and subdivided the property into 2500 lots. The terrain was unusual in that it included four miles of oceanfront with beautiful beaches, high dunes with great views of the ocean and sound, and dense soundside woods of blooming dogwoods and majestic pines. From the beginning, they chose to develop at a slow, methodical pace, starting with the oceanfront lots, then moving up into the dunes and forests. Although the area had always been desirable due to its location at the northern entrance to the Outer Banks, the replacement of the old wooden bridge from the mainland with the new concrete Wright Memorial Bridge in the 1950´s was the impetus for accelerated growth. In the mid-60´s, Stick was ready to retire and his son, David, took over the operation of Kitty Hawk Land Company, providing for continuity of the original developers´ vision. As the community grew, recreational elements were needed, so the younger Stick donated the land for what became known as the Outer Banks Recreation Center. The center itself, built with Farmers Home Administration funds, opened in 1968 and offered a community pool, tennis courts and an 18 hole golf course. Today the center is a private country club known as The Duck Woods Golf Club. Those who enjoy golf course living will find both homes and homesites available beside the links. Understanding the importance of recreational amenities, Southern Shores developed a concept that was ahead of its time. The Southern Shores Civic Association was organized for the purpose of owning and managing these amenities. Residents who voluntarily join the association for a nominal annual fee may use the amenities, which include two marinas (one with a boat launch); two beach access parking areas; a recreation area with children´s playground, basketball court, green area for soccer, and picnic tables; a soundside wading beach; and numerous biking, jogging, and walking paths. Chicahauk, a subdivision within Southern Shores, created the Chicahauk Homeowners Association, which owns and manages additional recreational facilities including a tennis court, ball field with soccer net, beach access parking lot, and picnic area. Membership in this association is mandatory for Chicahauk property owners. |