DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation to hold Aug. 1 open house on roads and trails for White Clay Creek State Park

DOVER – The third of four open houses to gather public input on creating a master plan for the future of White Clay Creek State Park in Newark will be held 4-7 p.m., Wednesday Aug. 1, at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711.

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced in May that DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for the future of the park and will be holding four open houses this summer to gather public input before a plan is drafted.

The Aug. 1 open house will focus on roads and trails, for public input on topics such locations, surfacing, widths, uses, and connectivity. Posters on existing roads and trails will be provided for discussion, and staff will be available to answer questions. The open houses are an opportunity for members of the public to convey what they enjoy about the park and what concerns or ideas they might have for the future. This is an important, initial step in the planning process.

The fourth and final open house is scheduled from 4-7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 20, at Deerfield focusing on current and future recreation opportunities in the park.

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.

In addition to the open houses, the public is encouraged to participate in a brief online survey to provide comments. A second survey with more specific questions will be developed later. To submit general comments, please email DNREC_WCCmasterplan@delaware.gov, or write to DNREC-DPR, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, Attn: WCCSP Master Plan.

The public is also encouraged to visit the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan web page  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 releases, signs in the park, and other means.

Media Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902


DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation’s first open house on developing new master plan for White Clay Creek State Park to be held June 25

DOVER – The first of four open houses to get public input on creating a master plan for the future of White Clay Creek State Park in Newark will be held 4-7 p.m. Monday June 25, at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711.

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced last month that the Division of Parks & Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for the future of the park and will be holding four open houses this summer to gather public input for the plan.

“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. These open houses are an important, initial step in the planning process, as we work together to create a path forward.”

The open house on June 25 will focus on natural resources and interpretation, for public input on topics such as habitat, farming, ponds and streams, historical and natural programming.

The open houses are an opportunity for members of the public to convey what they enjoy about the park and what concerns or ideas they might have for the future. This will help to inform the development of a draft plan.

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.

The next three open houses are tentatively scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711 on the following dates:

  • July 10: Focused on buildings and infrastructure; for public input on topics including the Nature Center, the park office, use of buildings, and current and future concessionaires.
  • Aug. 1: Focused on roads and trails; for public input on topics including roads, trails, and connectivity.
  • Aug. 20: Focused on recreation; 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 www.destateparks.com/whiteclaymasterplan 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.

Anyone 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. 160


DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation to host open house on Brandywine Zoo master plan on June 14

WILMINGTON – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will host an open house for the public to learn about plans for the future of the Brandywine Zoo from 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14 at the zoo’s Education Center, 1001 North Park Drive in Wilmington.

The open house will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with zoo and park staff to learn about upcoming plans for the zoo in its new master plan, which includes planning for the zoo over the next five to eight years.

The zoo, open since 1905, is home to large and small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Major exhibits include bald eagles, Andean condors, river otters, and red pandas.

The Brandywine Zoo is located a few steps from the Brandywine River and is accredited by the American Zoological Association. The zoo is managed by DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. It is wheelchair-accessible and features convenient free parking. The zoo’s education department offers programs for all ages.

The Education Center is located at 1001 North Park Drive in Wilmington, cross streets Van Buren Street ( Monkey Hill) and North Park Drive. Parking is available at Brandywine River lot.

For more information about the Brandywine Zoo master plan, please visit the DNREC website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/parks/Information/Pages/Brandywine-Zoo-Master-Plan.aspx

More information about the Brandywine Zoo is available at destateparks.com or brandywinezoo.org.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No.125


DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation to hold four open houses on developing new Master Plan for White Clay Creek State Park

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


SATURDAY: Governor Carney, First Lady to Host Dover Days Open House

DOVER, Del. – The Governor will participate in the 85th Annual Dover Days Parade on Saturday, May 5, and will host an open house at Woodburn, the Governor’s residence, shortly following the parade. Dover Days is a festival promoting Delaware’s heritage and culture.

WHAT: The Governor will participate in the 85th Annual Dover Days Parade on Saturday, May 5, starting at 9:30 a.m. Following the parade, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Governor and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will host an open house at Woodburn, the Governor’s residence. The Governor will throw out the first pitch at the vintage baseball game located in the field behind Woodburn at 12:30 p.m.

WHO: Governor John Carney
First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney

WHEN: Parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
Open House will run 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Governor will throw first pitch at 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Woodburn
151 Kings Hwy SW, Dover, DE 19901

 

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