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, 2018 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 25th 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@state.de.us , or write to DNREC-DPR, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, Attn: WCCSP Master Plan.