Quick hits: PKS plans soundside park and Scottish group proposes special NB tartan

Pine Knoll Shores readies for soundfront park
"The overcast day didn't keep Pine Knoll Shores resident JoAnn Shallcross from seeing the beauty of the surroundings as the town celebrated the start of construction on its new soundfront park.

"Shallcross said a group of egrets can often be found amongst the landscape of the marsh and sound that sits just behind town hall. ...

"Shallcross and other members of the town's Recreation Advisory Committee have helped the town develop plans for Veterans' Park, which will give residents and visitors a way to enjoy the sound in a natural setting," according to the Jacksonville Daily News.

"Plans call for bike parking at Pine Knoll Boulevard, with a path leading from there to an observation deck, or sittum, overlooking the sound on the back side of town hall. From there, a nature trail continues into the maritime forest toward the sound. ..."

Scottish group proposes special tartan to commemorate New Bern's 300th anniversary
"The Scottish Heritage Society of Eastern North Carolina is seeking the city's permission to design and register a special tartan in recognition of New Bern's 300th anniversary in 2010," according to the Sun-Journal.

"Tartans, sometimes referred to as plaids, are woolen cloths woven in patterns of different colors and widths. They are particularly associated with Scottish territory, where many clans adopt their own distinct patterns.

" 'New Bern has a rich heritage of Scots immigrants ... that we feel an official tartan adopted by the city would be a suitable way to recognize that heritage and the city's anniversary,' said Brian Dodds, the vice president of the society. ..."