DOVER – DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin will host a public meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, May 21 to announce that the Division of Parks & Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for the future of White Clay Creek State Park in Newark, and will be holding four open houses this summer to gather public input for the plan. The meeting will be held at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711.
“The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the stewardship and use of White Clay Creek State Park,” said Secretary Garvin. “A unified set of objectives will improve collaboration and coordination among staff, organizations, volunteers and visitors, as well as provide clearer expectations for the park. This is an opportunity to create a clear path forward.”
White Clay Creek State Park is the second largest park in DNREC’s park system. The park hosts more than 322,000 visitors each year and contains the most trail miles. The park also holds popular summer concerts, a well-attended summer camp program, the high school cross-country state meet, and other events. Visitors enjoy birding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.
Public input will be an integral part of the process. Four open houses to gather public interest and ideas will be held before creating a draft of the Master Plan. The public is encouraged to attend one or all of the open houses. All open houses are tentatively scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711 on the following dates:
- June 25: To highlight natural resources and interpretation; designed for public input on topics such as habitat, farming, ponds/streams, historical and natural programmin
- July 10: To highlight buildings and infrastructure; to seek public input on topics including the Nature Center, the park office, use of buildings, and current and future concessionaires.
- Aug. 1: To highlight roads and trails; for public input on topics including roads, trails and connectivity.
- Aug. 20: To highlight recreation use; for input on topics such as golfing, fishing, visiting historic sites, and events.
In addition to the open houses, the public is encouraged to participate in a brief online survey to provide initial comments. A second survey will be developed with more specific questions later in the process.
The public is also encouraged to visit the Parks and Recreation webpage regarding the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan for the latest information and updates and to check back frequently for the latest news and draft documents for review once developed. In addition to the webpage, announcements will be made by DNREC press release, signs in the park, and other means.
Residents who would like to submit general comments can email to: DNREC_WCCmasterplan@delaware.gov, or write to DNREC-DPR, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, Attn: WCCSP Master Plan.
CONTACT: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Vol. 48, No. 118