Lewes Parks & Rec gets update on two library projects

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission received updates on two projects that would add to the space outside the Lewes Public Library.

At the Oct. 16 meeting, Library Trustee Emeritus Hugh Leahy presented plans for an outdoor pavilion that would be built on 0.78 acres of open space on the west side of the building.

Leahy showed sketches of the proposed structure that includes seating for 140 people, along with a covered, portable stage and large barn doors that open to a utility building and also serve as soundproofing from traffic on Freeman Highway.

“[The pavilion] would increase our capacity to provide programs, generate income through room rentals and strengthen relationships with community partners,” Leahy said. He said the library hosts about 2,000 events a year in its indoor meeting rooms.

Leahy said the pavilion would be used for dramatic performances, concerts, lectures and library programs, like children’s reading time.

He said the project may go to permitting in November or December, bidding in January, groundbreaking in March, with completion in July 2024.

The panel also heard from Rich McGreal and Justin Bartels of the Library Arts Project.

They presented plans for hardscaping and landscaping around the new replica train station and adjacent courtyard. The station, built by Schell Brothers, encloses generators and other equipment.

The exterior of the structure and adjacent wall will be covered with artwork that can be changed out depending on the season.

Donations from Lewes in Bloom and Art in Bloom are paying for the project. 

Lewes in Bloom volunteers will maintain the flowers and shrubs planned for the courtyard and perimeter.

McGreal said they hope to celebrate the completion of the project in November.

In other business, commission Chair Janet Reeves provided an update on the status of the recently resurfaced recreational courts at Canalfront Park.

Pickleball players say the courts are unplayable because of dead spots; they are asking for the courts to be fixed. Tennis players say the courts are in perfect condition for their sport and do not want the city to change anything.

Reeves said the city recently had a conference call with American Tennis Courts, which installed the courts in August, and the manufacturer. Both stand by the product, she said.

Reeves said she asked the installer and manufacturer to attend either the Friday, Oct. 27 mayor and city council workshop or the Monday, Nov. 13 regular meeting to discuss what can be done.

She also said the city will move the recently installed practice backboard to a safer hitting location and reinstall the wind screen that blew down in a Sept. 23 storm.