Construction moves forward on Thompson Island

A new boardwalk and observation deck are going up at Thompson Island Nature Preserve.

The Delaware State Parks property's three-quarter-mile-trail will be widened and improved, and a 130-foot-long boardwalk will be built.

At the end of the trail, an observation deck with railing will feature an additional access area 6 feet over the marsh so people in wheelchairs can enjoy the view.

The preserve has been owned by Delaware State Parks since 2002 and is used by local hikers. It lies between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, but the preserve is a tough spot to access because parking is scarce off Bay Road. The project will cost an estimated $300,000, with the money coming from the Federal Recreational Trails program.

Most visitors to the preserve will participate in Delaware State Parks hikes.

Dorothy Payton, site manager at the Indian River Life-Saving Station, said hikes are held during the fall and spring, with about five hikes annually. Summer hikes are avoided because of temperatures and bugs, Payton said.

“With this new project, the trail will be more easily accessible,” Payton said. “In the past we have timed our hikes to low tide because it gets wet on the trail, but with the new boardwalk over the marsh, the trail will be more accessible.”

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control project manager Phillip Gallo said the construction should be finished by Memorial Day.

“We have had good weather, so they have been able to continue working. I expect more visible improvements will be coming soon,” Gallo said.

The project is using small construction equipment to avoid damaging the marsh. Head contractor EPB Associates of Delaware has subcontracted with Virginia-based Avon to do specialized digging for posts to support the new boardwalk.

Once the posts are installed, EPB workers will resume trail improvements, Gallo said.

Gallo said the construction is not likely to disturb breeding for birds or animals.

Prior to project approval, The Delaware Natural Heritage and Endanged Species Program reviewed potential problems for wildlife at Thompson Island.

"There were no time-of-year restrictions put on the project,” Gallo said.

Reports of trash

A recent walker on the trail found trash and construction debris left behind by workers.

Gallo said he was unaware of trash and other construction debris on the trail, but the construction manager will follow up and make sure workers are following the parks policy of carry in, carry out.

“We took special care with this project, being that it is in a sensitive area, to minimize impact,” said Gallo. “The contractor said he will make a more aggressive effort to keep the site clean.”