Duck is a town in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 369. During the peak vacation season, starting after Memorial Day, the population increases to over 20,000. Duck is the northernmost incorporated town in Dare County and the Outer Banks' newest town, incorporated on May 1, 2002. Duck offers visitors outdoor recreational activities, summer events and concerts, watersports, fine dining, shopping, art galleries, and a nationally known jazz festival, as well as the Town Park and soundside boardwalk.
The town park is a recreational facility with trails through the maritime forest and willow swamp. It also has an amphitheater, playground, picnic shelter, and public kayak/canoeing launch. The town has built a boardwalk which can be accessed from the park and through the commercial village. The boardwalk extends along Currituck Sound. Duck's beach was named one of the "Top 15 Family-Friendly Beaches in America". In October, Duck hosts its annual Jazz Festival. During the summer months, the town offers over 60 events and programs including Yoga on the Green, Movies on the Sound, a family magic show, live concerts and interactive theater. Programs are free and open to the public.
Town Council
The town of Duck encourages people to play an active role in their government. There are regular scheduled town meetings with the Town Council, where the public can address them on any matter they feel needs to be discussed. The community can also get involved and express their thoughts and concerns through attending council meetings and participating in public hearings. A two-day annual Council Retreat is held typically in February and is open to the public. The Town of Duck records council meetings and makes them available to view on the Town of Duck YouTube channel.
History
In 1984, the North Carolina General Assembly established Duck as a North Carolina Beautification District. As such, an ad valorem tax could be levied to beautify the district and/or protect its citizens. Initially, a tax was levied for the purpose of providing for the underground installation of power lines throughout the community. This action prevented the power company from installing concrete poles along Duck Road. The result was an uncluttered skyline, increased safety for evacuation from the area, and maintaining household power through major storm periods. From 1986 to 1988, the community agreed to levy a tax for a two-year period to pay for the construction costs of a multiple-use trail. These funds were augmented by a $30,000 grant received by the Duck Civic Association from the Dare County Tourism Bureau. The State Department of Transportation was also a major participant in obtaining easements and contracting for the trail installation. In 1987, the Duck Civic Association was established to represent the community in matters of public safety, land use, and other public interests. The association management was set up with a nine-member board of directors and the usual complement of officers. On July 18, 1994, the Dare County Commissioners adopted a resolution "to preserve our coastal village atmosphere through land use management and the policies and implementation strategies contained in the 1994 Land Use Plan update," signed by Robert V. Owens, Jr., Chairman.
Incorporation
On March 28, 2001, Representative Bill Culpepper introduced the Duck Incorporation Bill in the House. On August 29, 2001, after clearing the Senate on August 28 and the House on August 29, the bill became law. On November 6, 2001, voters voted in favor of the incorporation of Duck. Duck was incorporated as the sixth town in Dare County on May 1, 2002.
Duck was ranked one of USA Today's "Best Coastal Small Towns" by USA Today and 10Best.
Climate
Ecology
According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Duck, North Carolina would have a dominant vegetation type of Live oak/Sea Oats Uniola paniculata with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie.
