Parks for America

Cover

Contents

Foreword

Summary

Findings and Recommendations

Planning Elements

Parks for America

Trussem Pond, Delaware, an outstanding natural area featuring cypress groves far north of their usual range.

DELAWARE

DELAWARE has a population density averaging 225 persons per square mile which, with industrial growth, accents the urgency for acquisition and development of lands for outdoor recreation.

In the last decade the population increased 40.3 percent, to 446,292. Projections indicate 780,000 in 1976. One-third of the population is concentrated in New Castle County on less than 10 percent of the State's area.

The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal forms a much-used channel for pleasure craft traveling between Chesapeake and Delaware Bays.

The ocean beaches and shore areas are major attractions, with fresh-water lakes and scattered forest lands filling out the recreation resources. Spring and fall seasons are pleasant, with the seashore areas affording relief from the hot and humid summers.

Proposed reservoirs will offer potential recreation opportunities. There are a number of historic sites, of which Fort Christiana and John Dickinson Mansion have been determined to possess exceptional value in commemorating the history of the United States.

EXISTING PUBLIC AREAS

NATIONAL: The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife administers one national refuge of 13,180 acres. The Corps of Engineers administers the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, 13.5 miles with 5,000 acres.

STATE: The Park Commission administers 4 areas of 1,148 acres, having a 1960 attendance of 200,000. The Forestry Commission manages five forests of 4,704 acres. The Highway Department administers 2,650 acres of beach lands and 40 roadside picnic areas. The Board of Fish and Game Commissioners administers 13,135 acres in seven wildlife areas. There are 12 State ponds, amounting to 700 acres.

LOCAL: There are 21 nonurban parks, with a total of 515 acres in the Wilmington region. New Castle County has 590 acres dedicated for recreation.

QUASI-PUBLIC AND PRIVATE: One historic monument is available to the public.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE: Family-style vacation facilities and commercial recreation developments are of importance, with many of these located along the beach portions of Sussex County.

PARK AND RELATED NEEDS

In terms of preservation, study is needed on potential values of free-flowing streams. With the advent of additional highway construction, there is need for wayside development and scenic route treatment. The State park system presently provides 3,248 acres for 446,292 residents. There is need for acquisition and development of additional areas of State significance. Potential State areas identified in this plan total 31,300 acres. If all these identified potential areas are established and developed, State responsibilities in meeting recreation needs can probably be met to 1976. Existing local parks and recreational areas provide only 1,100 acres. Approximately 10,600 acres in local areas will be needed by 1976.

Cape Henlopen, Delaware, one of the few still-undeveloped stretches of middle-Atlantic seashore.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Existing recreation resources and many potential areas are shown on the accompanying tabulation and map. The following recommendations are offered to help provide needed public outdoor recreation opportunities. Vigorous action by the agencies concerned will be necessary to carry out such a program successfully.

STATE: Enlargement of the State park system by addition of seven parks, seven recreation areas, and two nature preserves. Further study of four suggested areas and one free-flowing stream.

Supporting recommendations include—

1. Development of recreation areas in conjunction with reservoirs.

2. Establishment of a system of metropolitan or regional parks.

3. Initiation of a long-range program to acquire land for recreation use.

4. Coordination of wayside development programs with new highway construction.

5. Concentrated efforts to alleviate pollution in State waters.

6. Development of additional marina sites at suitable locations.

(Table omitted from online edition)

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Last Modified: Mon, Sep 6 2004 10:00:00 pm PDT
parks_america/delaware.htm