Upscale cottages scrapped at state park

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park were hoping the new director of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Parks and Recreation/Delaware State Parks would have positive news about some high-profile park projects.

The nonprofit group of volunteers was not disappointed when Matthew Ritter addressed their annual meeting March 8.

At the top of the list were the 11 upscale rental cottages proposed for the primitive youth camp site, near the Biden Environmental Center. The proposed cabins were part of a statewide Economic Development Administration Grant for planning and design in all of the park campgrounds, according to Ritter.

But Ritter said those cabins are now off the table. He said the area was evaluated and several challenges were identified that would have made the project more difficult, especially the lack of a connection to the current campground, which impacts the use of the playground, camp store and potentially other families camping. He said it would have created administrative challenges that would require a separate sign-in area.

“For that reason, we are not continuing with the design in the primitive youth group area and will look at the option of switching out a few back-in RV sites with cabins within the campground plans,” Ritter said.

A separate group, called the Preserve Our Park Coalition, has opposed the cottages in the primitive youth camp location. It claimed they would have a negative impact on the environment and leave scouts without a place to camp. The coalition said it is pleased with Ritter’s announcement that the cabins will not be built there.

DNREC is now considering a smaller number of cabins in the main campground area, but that project is not a priority. Ritter said the primitive youth camp will remain as is.

New bathhouse

Ritter also discussed the need for a new or renovated McBride Bathhouse, currently located at the main beach.

“The McBride Bathhouse is undersized for the need of the beach users, with inadequately sized lifeguard space, first-aid area and separate shower/bathroom. The public bathroom is not accessible, undersized and lacks the necessary family units,” Ritter said.

Ritter laid out the following plans:

• A structural analysis will be conducted of the existing bathhouse to determine current condition but also what could be needed to expand to handle the additional bathroom space and lifeguard space

• A survey at beach crossings will get a feel for how guests use the area and what amenities they are looking for.

The Preserve Our Park Coalition has been opposed to plans to tear down the existing bathhouse and build a new one on the dune between there and the Hawk Watch.

Cape fishing pier

Ritter said the reconstruction of the fishing pier is another priority for the park.

“The current pier dates back to World War II and has experienced multiple significant repairs as well as removal and fencing off of sections,” he said. “There currently is $250,000 in planning funds that will be used to evaluate the existing location, type of pier and overall length to determine a more accurate cost estimate. The cost of a new pier is unknown but could range from $25 million to $40 million, based off length, type and width. The pier is unique in the state as it provides incredible fishing opportunities to visitors of all abilities.”

Ritter said other priorities are a new park office and Natural Resources Police office. 

“The current park office is located in a building that was intended to be a temporary building 30 years ago. As the busiest park in our park system, our staff and visitor needs have outgrown the current building. In addition, the Natural Resources Police have office space that is inadequate for their needs,” Ritter said.

He said that project could also include improvements to the park entrance. Ritter said there is currently no funding for that project.

He said DNREC is working with the Lewes Board of Public Works on a plan to connect the park to city wastewater, which he called a priority.

Friends achievements 

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park outlined their 2024 achievements at the March 8 meeting:

• More than 10,000 volunteer hours dedicated to the park

• $14,000 in educational grants to eight Delaware schools

• New picnic shelters

• Monarch butterfly pollinator garden

• Beach and trail cleanups

• Two adult trikes added to the bike barn fleet.

Ritter thanked the organization for all they do.

“I [wanted] to share our appreciation for the great work of our Friends in providing financial support through the years, hundreds of volunteer hours through the year and spearheading great projects such as the osprey camera project and Bike Barn,” he said.

The Preserve Our Park Coalition said it is also looking forward to working with Ritter and the Cape Henlopen State Park staff.

The coalition was formed in 2022 in response to DNREC’s plan to build a restaurant near the Hawk Watch. DNREC put the plan on hold in response to overwhelming public opposition.