LAUREL, DE – DNREC officials unveiled, on September 18, 2019, a new playground at Trap Pond State Park during a dedication ceremony also attended by state Senator Bryant Richardson, state Representative Timothy Dukes, Trap Pond Partners President Chase Cline, and a host of other local officials.
“This new playground is an excellent example of how the Trap Pond Partners, the state, and local legislators can partner to provide exceptional recreational opportunities for park visitors,” said Secretary Garvin. “I thank the Trap Pond Partners for their passion and leadership in raising funding for this project. I also recognize the support of Senator Richardson and Representative Dukes. In addition, it is important that we acknowledge that our parks continue to create opportunities for exercise and play for our young people.”
The playground showcases 13 new play features, including a mountain cabin play structure with slides, and climbing structures in the shape of trees, honeycombs, and a bee.
“The Trap Pond Partners are thrilled to have been able to build a new playground for Trap Pond with the help of the grand writers of DNREC, local politicians, and through fundraising,” said Chase Cline, President of Trap Pond Partners. “With the help of many, we were able to provide a great play space for children for years to come – one of our goals is to get kids outside and enjoy and explore nature.”
The funding for the new playground was raised by the Trap Pond Partners, the friends group of Trap Pond State Park. They raised $50,000 for the project through private fundraising and grants secured. Legislators Dukes and Richardson provided nearly $50,000 in Community Transportation Funds, and DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation provided the remaining third.
Established in 1997, the Trap Pond Partners have provided resources for the park, including fundraising for the park’s new nature center, scholarships for programming, food service, and funding for the park’s summer concert series. They also provided funding for construction of a storage building for the free bike program in the campground, and host this year’s 15th annual bike rally. Two years ago, the partners established a popular wine and beer festival, which will be held on September 22, 2018.
# ## #
~ DNREC