Jared Towery, who became paraplegic while attending the First State Military Academy and training for enlistment into the U.S. Marines, demonstrated the new Action Trackchair that will be used in Delaware State Parks. He is pictured with, from left to right, his grandmothers Linda Lopez and Joanna Wilson, East Coast Trackchairs owners Chris and Wendy Caldwell who delivered the Trackchair to White Clay Creek State Park, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Park Superintendent Laura Lee and DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens. /DNREC photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control unveiled its new Action Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair donated through the Ford Bronco Wild Fund July 12 at the Deerfield Clubhouse at White Clay Creek State Park. The event highlighted accessibility improvements statewide for the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation and featured the first publicly accessible all-terrain wheelchair available for public use in the state of Delaware.

Delaware was the recipient of a nationally competitive grant for one of seven AXIS model Trackchairs provided through the Bronco Wild Fund Access Grants and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).

The Action Trackchair enables individuals with mobility challenges to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. Its “Tilt on the fly” feature allows for adjustable angles that fit each user’s preference. It can also be operated in mud, sand, snow and water.

“Like DNREC, the Bronco Wild Fund aims to connect people to the outdoors by increasing access, and the Trackchair does just that,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We are grateful to Ford for granting us this chair to allow even more visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.”

On hand to demonstrate the Action Trackchair’s features was Jared Towery, who became paraplegic while attending the First State Military Academy in 2021 and training for enlistment into the U.S. Marines. His grandmother, Linda Lopez, has become a tireless advocate for people with disabilities throughout the state and gaining accessibility upgrades for them.

The Division of Parks and Recreation’s Strategic Plan includes a goal of adding or improving more than 70 accessible amenities in Delaware State Parks. These updates include mobility mats, beach wheelchairs, adaptive kayak launches, paved paths, accessible hunting stands, additional all-terrain wheelchairs and campsites specifically designed for individuals in wheelchairs.

The Bronco Wild Fund aims to responsibly connect people to the outdoors by increasing access, preservation, and stewardship of the great outdoors. Through collaboration with America’s State Parks and America’s State Park Foundation, Bronco Wild Fund targets projects and creates events that inspire and enhance outdoor recreation.

NASPD brings together state park leaders and professionals to foster collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for policies that support the sustainable management and enjoyment of each state’s treasured public lands.

The Action Trackchair will be housed at White Clay Creek State Park, which has the largest trail system of Delaware’s state parks. To reserve the Action Trackchair for use in Delaware State Parks, call the White Clay Creek State Park Office at 302-368-6900.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Reservations to drive-on surf fish on Delaware State Parks multi-use beaches Thursday, July 4, open Thursday, June 27.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds those who plan to drive-on surf fish at one of the seven Delaware State Parks multi-use beaches that reservations are required during summer weekends and holidays. Drive-on surf fishing reservations for Thursday, July 4, open Thursday, June 27, at 11 a.m.

Drive-on reservations for each weekend open weekly beginning Tuesdays for the upcoming Saturday and Wednesdays for the upcoming Sunday, and are available until sold out for that weekend.

Reservations are required for annual and two-year surf fishing permits to drive onto Delaware State Parks beaches weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. Reservations are not required Monday through Friday, except for holidays. Reservations for holidays will become available the Thursday prior. Off-peak surf fishing permits do not qualify for reservations because they are for use during only non-peak times.

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation advises those who reserve a spot on Delaware State Parks beaches to cancel if they cannot attend so that spot opens up for another anger to use.

Reservations may be made at www.destateparks.com/surftagsales or via phone at 800-499-8221 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to noon on weekends and holidays. Reservations are first come, first served.

Reservation confirmations must be printed and displayed in the registered vehicle for enforcement verification. Annual and two-year surf fishing permit holders with reservations are allowed access into the park for surf fishing, even if a park gate is closed, when day use parking capacity has been reached.

About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

 Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Though the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation has completed repair projects to the CHSP pier over the last 15 years, the pier has lasted well beyond its life expectancy.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that the last 145 feet of the 1,300-foot Cape Henlopen State Park fishing pier will remain closed until structural repairs can be made. Additionally, the public will not be able to access certain closed-off sections along the side of the pier and two areas marked as “no standing zone.” The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation decided to close this portion of the World War II-era pier in November 2023, during an annual engineering review.

The engineering review, now completed, produced a detailed evaluation of the entire structure, including an underwater review of the pilings by a dive team. The structural repair design details are finalized and the preliminary cost estimate for repairs is close to $1 million. Once funding for repairs is acquired, construction is expected to take three to six months.

Though the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation has completed repair projects to the CHSP pier over the last 15 years, the pier has lasted well beyond its life expectancy. Repairs include removal of the unsafe, dilapidated end of the pier in 2012 and the addition of pile jackets in 2021.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov.

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Following a virtual community meeting and public input through a survey, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s proposed user fees for Deauville Beach have been approved by the Parks and Recreation Council and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. A daily entrance fee or a Deauville annual pass will be required for use of the beach from Memorial Day weekend though Nov. 30 in 2024. Deauville Beach annual passes will be available for sale starting Wednesday, May 15.

Daily and weekend entrance fees remain unchanged from what the City of Rehoboth Beach charged in 2023 at $15 for weekday and $20 for weekend. DNREC will also have a Deauville Beach annual pass for $115; those who have a Delaware State Parks annual pass, lifetime pass or surf fishing permit will receive a $25 discount, making it $90 for the entire fee season. Walk-ons and bicyclists will continue to use the beach without paying a daily entrance fee.

Daily entrance fees will be collected via two automated fee machines and fee booth attendants. Annual passes will be sold in person at Deauville on the weekends of May 25, June 1 and June 8. In addition, they will be available at the Cape Henlopen State Park and Indian River Lifesaving Station offices as well as online at destateparks.com/PassesTagsFees throughout the entire fee season.

The Deauville Beach annual pass will not be accepted at other Delaware State Park locations. City of Rehoboth Beach permits will no longer be honored at Deauville Beach as Delaware State Parks does not accept municipal passes or permits.

Delaware Natural Resources Police will be responsible for enforcement of state park rules and regulations at Deauville Beach. Delaware State Beach Patrol will provide lifeguard service starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Concessions will be available for tennis, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and limited food service.

For more information about the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s management of Deauville Beach, including a list of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, go to destateparks.com.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov 

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Annual passes are a convenient way to access Delaware State Parks for the entire fee season, which lasts from March 1 through Nov. 30 annually. The 2024 Delaware State Parks annual passes feature kayaking through a stand of baldcypress trees at Trap Pond State Park.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds visitors to Delaware State Parks that 2024 entrance fees will be in effect starting Friday, March 1 through Nov. 30.

State park entrance fees for vehicles registered in Delaware are $4 at inland parks and $5 at ocean parks. Fees for out-of-state vehicles are $8 at inland parks and $10 at ocean parks. Entrance fees will remain in effect through Nov. 30, which is the normal fee season end date.

Daily park entrance fees may be paid via credit-card machine at most park locations, where fee attendants are on duty or via self-registration envelopes provided at park entrances that are then placed in designated secured drop boxes.

Annual passes are a convenient way to access Delaware State Parks for the entire fee season. Multiple types of annual passes are available, including resident, non-resident, active-duty military and veterans. Those who purchase annual passes online will receive a virtual pass that can be used up to 30 days from the date of purchase until the actual pass is received via mail.

Residents who receive certain types of public assistance can contact their case worker(s) for an assistance pass at a discount. Active duty military personnel who are stationed in Delaware also qualify for pass at a reduced rate, and all public libraries in Delaware offer an annual pass that can be checked out for free by library cardholders.

The Delaware State Parks corporate and group annual pass gives employers and groups a way to promote health and wellness. This pass provides employees and groups, including athletic teams, with discounted annual passes for statewide park access all season long. It also includes exclusive benefits for end-of-the-year outings and personal discounts for camping or cottage stays.

Annual and two-year surf fishing permits provide year-round drive-on access, including peak weekends and holidays. Off-peak surf fishing permits provide year-round access, excluding peak weekends and holidays from May through Labor Day weekend. Both surf fishing permit decals enable the vehicle to gain entrance into the other state parks without paying the daily entrance fee.

A reservation will be required for permitted vehicles to access any of the seven Delaware State Parks multi-use drive-on beaches during peak time periods. Reservations open weekly for the upcoming weekend, starting in May, online at the Delaware State Parks reservations page or via phone at 800-499-8221.

Revenue generated from sales of passes and permits is used to manage 17 state parks, the Brandywine Zoo and more than 26,500 acres of state park lands. Park users generate 70% of the revenue utilized to operate and maintain the parks. The revenue is used for trail maintenance, environmental and recreational programs, visitor amenities, guarded beaches, management of campgrounds, cabins and more.

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, which will soon assume management of the state-owned Deauville Beach from the city of Rehoboth, is evaluating the fee structure for that area. Given the timing for the management transition, fees will not yet be charged to utilize Deauville Beach until later this spring. More information will be shared publicly as it becomes available.

To purchase an annual pass or surf fishing permit, go to www.destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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