Dowdy Park: A New Outer Banks Attraction -

Dowdy’s Amusement Park

Once popularly known as Joe Dowdy’s Amusement Park, the old site will now be home to Dowdy Park, a place for the community to play. Joe Dowdy’s was a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. Dowdy’s was the place to go for family fun, laughs, and competition. With a Ferris wheel, arcade, roller coaster, and many more classic amusement park rides, Joe Dowdy’s was quite missed when it closed down back in 2005.

Dowdy Park today

The Town of Nags Head decided to give Dowdy’s a new life by purchasing the land after it closed. The name of the new attraction? Dowdy Park! Dowdy Park will be a place to play, exercise, relax and enjoy everything around you. Dowdy Park will feature a playground, garden area, playing fields, playing courts, a pavilion, and more! For kids that may have a physical disability, Dowdy Park will provide playground attractions for them as well so they can join in on the fun too! Kids of all ages will be able to run around and play and older kids and adults will be able to walk around and get some exercise and fresh air.

One of many playsets at the new Dowdy Park

For the grand opening of the part, the Dare County Art Council and Dowdy Park are teaming up to host the 28th Annual Artrageous Art Festival on May 13th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The theme this year is Art Is The Heart Of The Park with an emphasis on the importance of art in the community. This is a free event where families can come paint, draw, and encourage creativity in their children. Local restaurants will provide food and a free concert will be playing from 3:00 PM until the event close at 8:00 PM.