Lewes library unveils landscaping plans

As the new Lewes Public Library design takes shape, library officials have presented Lewes Mayor and City Council with a first look at its landscaping plan, while also asking the city to take on the burden of funding maintenance costs.

While all agreed it is a fluid process and plans may change, the city agreed to earmark up to $9,000 per year for costs to maintain the landscaping at the new library, trailhead and open space adjacent to Stango Park.

The library's design committee has been working with Millsboro landscape architect Al Demerich to develop a plan that will seamlessly mesh the entire 5.9-acre parcel formerly known as the Thompson property off Freeman Highway and Monroe Avenue.

“The landscape design was done in an effort to really enhance the library site in a 360-degree manner,” said Brad Hastings, principal with the Becker Morgan Group.

Ned Butera, vice president of the Lewes Public Library board and chairman of the design committee, said many environmentally friendly, energy efficient and green design elements are integrated into the library's building and landscaping plans. Specifically, space for an underground infiltration system is designated for stormwater collection.

Demerich used many evergreen, shade and flowering trees in the design, giving the property a natural look while screening it from neighboring Freeman Highway and trails. Both the planned Georgetown-Lewes Trail and extension of the Junction and Breakwater Trail will meet at the new trailhead. The design accommodates bicyclists and hikers by providing access points and plenty of green space and shaded area to take a break.

“I personally think this parcel will end up being a destination point,” said Demerich. “I just think this will be a very active facility once word gets out and the two trails are completed.”

The architecture of the open-air trailhead building will be similar in style to the new library, he said, and an alley of trees will give people a direct view of the library from the trailhead area.

The design calls for vehicle entrances from Monroe Avenue and through an extension of Adams Avenue from the current library. Demerich said it is important to beautify the sight lines of drivers as they enter the library area, and a sculpture has been suggested for the front of the new library.

“A suggestion was made that perhaps an artist contest/competition be held,” he said. “I think that would be an excellent idea.”

One area that is still undecided in terms of design is a 51,000-square-foot section behind the new library adjacent to Stango Park. Demerich said the area could be used to extend the planned Children's Discovery Area through an interactive trail leading students to satellite gardens or play areas. The area could also be used for a connection to Stango Park or a serene park area with a small pond, he said.

“The whole use of that back area is wide open,” he said.

Based on the current plan, Demerich estimated maintenance costs to be about $9,000 annually – $4,500 for the library area, $3,000 for the trailhead area and $1,500 for the open section. He said costs could change once a plan for the back area is ironed out. Even with that known, he said, landscaping costs constantly fluctuate.

“Maintenance is such a variable,” he said. “It depends on what happens each year; environmental conditions, water conditions. It's hard to say in hard numbers it's going to be x versus y.”