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Coastal Zone information Center CENTER DELAWARE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN INVENTORY UPDATE /DELAWARE,STATE PLANNING OFFICE& DAVID R. KEIFER, DIRECTOR DECEMBER , 1972 GV 191 42 D3 D35 1972 M A Y 6 19 74 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of many individuals and organizations who assisted with this Inventory updating. Acknowledgment Is also given to the staff of the State Planning Office, especially to the secretaries and draftsmen who prepared the drafts and the final report. Special acknowledgment is given to: State Agencies: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Highways Division of Archieves and Cultural Affairs Division of Economic Development Other Participants: U.S. Soh Conservation Service Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Northeast Regional Office Corps of Engineers, Atlantic Region Now Castle County, Department of Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Department, City of Wilmington WILMAPCO The interest of these agencies.during this update was especially appre- ciated. David S. Hugg, III M. Kenneth Bessinger U.S. DE"FTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413 Propiarty of cst Library Table of Contents page Introduction and Purpose I Inventory: 2 Federal Control 2 State Control 7 County and Municipal Control 30 Private Faci I I ties 40 Inventory Maintenance 49 List of Tables Table (Sub.lect) Page 1. Areas administered by the State Division of Archieves & Cultural Affairs 9 2. Delaware State Forest Areas 14 3. Delaware State Park Areas 17 4, Delaware Fish and Wildlife Areas 22 5. School Facilities, New Castle County 27 6. School Facilities, Kent County 28 7. School Facilities, Sussex County 29 8, New Castle County Parks & Recreation Areas 31 9. Municipal Recreation Areas, New Castle County 36 10. Municipal Recreation Areas, Kent and Sussex County 38 11. Private Facilities, New Castle County 40 12. Private Facilities, Sussex County 42 13. Private Facilities, Kent County 45 14. Summary, Public Recreation Areas 48 List of.11lustrations Figure (Subject) EMIG 1. Federal Recreation Areas 6 2. Historical and Cultural Facilities 11 3. State Forests 15 4. State Parks and Recreation Areas 18 5. State Fish and Wildlife Areas 23 6. Roadside Rest Areas 25 7. Number of municipal Recreation Areas 39 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE This study was undertaken in order to provide an up-to-date Inventory of outdoor recreation facilities for use In a variety of planning projects and publicati ons. The da ta presented in Delaware did not represent a single year and had not been fully updated since 1967. Further, certain areas were noticeably weak, especially educational, private and urban facilities. This report is Intended to update the previous information and fill in the gaps as of April 30, 1972. Data of t his type are needed i,n the Urban Recreation Needs Study now being prepared by the State Planning Office and as input to t he State's participation in the First"State Resource Conservation and Development Project sponsored by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. It will also be useful in the updating of the State Development Plan and in development of procedures for allocation of State recreation grants-in-aid. The majority of information in this report was developed from a variety of sources, including the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the U. S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture, and the New Castle County and City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation Departments. Jheir assistance Is appreciated. INVENTORY In order to more'fully explore the feasibility of realizing these potentials and to provide the background data for preparation of plans and programs, it is necessary to examine the nature and extent of Present facilities and programs. This inventory is a compilation of data on recreation facilities at all levels of public activity as well as those provided through private an.d quasi-oublic sources. This section also provides a summary of current recreation programs, inc luding both financial assistance and organized recre,6tlo'n'.a'&lvitie's, provided by.public and private agencies and sponsors. Inventory of.Public Areas Used for Outdoor Recreation Under Federal Control The Federal government has approximately 29,700 acres of Delaware land in recreation uses. These lands are administered by either the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers or the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Services. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Kilcohook Wildlife Refuge As a result of the dredging operation to maintain a navigable water channel in the Delaware River in 1934, a large area (1,487 acres) known as Kil- cohook National Wildlife Refuge was formed on the New Jersey side of the River. Though this area is physically attached to New Jersey, a court, establi'shing the Delaware-New Jersey boundary, ruled that Delaware's sovereignty extended 2 to the low water mark of the eastern shore of the Delaware River. This makes any fill area along this boundary a part of Delaware. While the refuge is of no value to Delaware residents as a recreation area due to its location on the opposite side of t he River, It does make available breeding grounds for water fowl and small animals. Bombay-Hook National Wildlife Refuge The Bombay Hook Refuge, established in 1937, is one of several stopping places'located at strategic points a'long the Atlantic Flyway from Canad2i to the Gulf of Mexico. It is situated approxima tely eight miles northeast of Dover. The Refuge is comprised *of 16,280'acres, of-which about 10,500 acres are tidal marshiand., The rest of the area includes 1,200 acres of impounded fresh water pools, brush and timbered swamps, 1,000 acres of crop lands, and timbered grassy upland. The recreational uses of the areas include nature study, photography, sightseeing, dog field trails (two in the fall and one In the spring), and hunting on a limited basis, .(3.,000 acres on which 12 blinds are erected and open for use three days per week' for geese and archery type deer hunting). Observation towers, nature trails, restrooms, picnic tables, and an Information booth are provided. Primehook National Wildlife Refuge Primehook National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1963 under a plan coor- nated with local agencies and Interests, continues toward a proposed 10,000 acres to be completed in the next ten years. It now contains 6,655 acres. 3 Primehook.Refuge will Include a con'servation.ed.ucation bui.lding, nature study facilities and development to allow hiking,, fishing,,boat launching, pic-, nicking, hunting, and dog fle,ld,trials. U. @S' ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Chesapeake and'Del6ware Canal The Corps of Engineers is lndirectI.y.involved In outdoor recreati-on by virtue of h,aving the responsibilitylof.maintaining waterway navigation channels such as the Chesapeake and Delaward'.Canal. To accomplish this responsibility, land has been acquir ed for the disp osition of spoils on either side of the channel. 5,271 acres of land have been acquired for this use (however, these are licensed to Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Di.vision.of Fish.and Wild.lif,e for management). The hydraulic fill of theseareas presents a hazard for a time.after the operation is completed. Subsoil conditions do not permit rapid leaching of liquids, allowing a hard crust to,form over the top which will not usually support a per son's weight. Therefore, these fill areas,are excluded from public use until test borings indica.te,that conditions are safe. In spite of the limitations.and restrictions,.the lands adjacent to the canal were visited by so me 32,000 peop,le during 1967. Boating and fishing appear to be the most popular uses of the canal, while the land provides hiking, picnicking, photography and sightseeing. As areas are designated safe for public use, the Corps of Engineers licenses these areas to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for the hunting of small game and for various recreational uses. Such areas are open to the 4 public with the same seasonal controls of any other ptibl.ic.hunting ground. These activities in the winter months coupled with the.summer activities year round'outdoor recreation facilities. The Corps of Engineers Is also responsible for establishing and maintaining the depths.of certain canals-and channels comprising of, or accessory to, the Delaware segment of the "Inland Waterway" and other heavily used or necessary inlets, bays and river courses. The areas are an integral segment of Delaware's outdoor' recreation endeavor, as they,allow for maximum recreational.boating opportuni@ies. 5 PA. ATE OF DELAWARE STA SCALE IN MILES 0 5 10 4 WILMINGTON EWPO A N. J.7 OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS 13 1 9 ADMINISTERED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NEWARK 4NEW 7 7 1 Kilcohook Wild,life Refuge 2 Chesapeake a nd Delaware Canal 9 9 .1@1@ ot EILAWARE@@Y Recreation Lands .11Y 3- Bombay Hook'Wildltfe' Refuge 4 - Primehook Wildlife Refuge 01 0 9 3 Navigatlon'lmprovement and Erosion 01 .99 Control Programs i Underway by..the Corps of Engineers TOWNSEND. ii'Tliesie Areas are Properly Designated as "Nati on,a I W i 10 11 f Is Ref uge". I A SMYRNA 42 42 KENTON 3 LITTLE 44 DOVER CREE I ART1Y MD. VVYDM114G CAMDENA 13 BOWERS FELTON F ED R.. A MILFORD 14 SLAUG"T11 1111" 4-1 3 36 5 CAPE 4 GRE"Woob NENLOPEN ..'o. -Es 30 14 RE .... 1. 01-1 24 @E ... Elo- 5 SEAFORD oLAD 20 24 DAGSBONO 3 FRANKFORD cEA. SET- SEA.. 1 24 24 17 14 54 6 ELMAR SEL-ILLI Inventory of Public Areas Used for Outdoor Recreation Under State Control State-Owned Land Approximately @4,681 acres of.State-owned land and water areas are available for outdoor recreation and, historical review. Five separate State agencies or divisions administer these lands.. Although some 34,681. acres of State-owned land and water are avail.able for outdoor recreation,, many of the areas have controlled uses imposed upon them by the admini.stering agency. These restrictions are not intended to be deterrents to other types of recreation; however, eachliand holding agency has a specific public function and must dedicate.the primary use of land to this function. In most cases as will be shown throughout the inventory report, other non-conflicting recreationuses are allowed and often fostered. To better illustrate t his point, each of the land holding agencies listed is described as to Its primary function, its land holdi ngs and the permissible uses, Historic and Prehistoric Resources The Division of Archives and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State is charged with the responsibility to preserve and maintain, for posterity, all matters of public record. Normally this mandate would not, to a great extent, affect outdoor recreation; however, the law establishing the former Archives Commission further states: "to prevent the further loss of part.of our National heritage and culture through the deterioration or neglect of historic buildings, sites or objects within this State, the Public Archives Commission may survey, examine, select for preservation, acquire, repair, restore, operate and make available for public visitation and use such historic buildings, sites or objects as it may deem worthy of preservation In the best public interest, for the fulfillment of this subchapter...." 7 This law still has significance for the action of the Division as regards the public utilization of significant hl'stortc and.cultural areas. Under this section of the law, the Division of Archives and Cultural Affairs enters the field of recreation. The Division administers .17 areas of national and/or statewide'historical and prehistoric Importance; a few areas contain two@items of histori'c importance. Also,'there are two cases where the land is not owned' by the Division; however, leases or other legal agreements have been established with the present owner (in each case another public body). The Division of Archives and Cultural.Affalrs is reviewing -and studying other areas and buildings" of national and statewide significance In order to aid in the establishment of a complete Historic Register. 8 TABLE 1, Areas Administered by the Division of Archives and Cultural Affairs May 1972 Area Under Significanti Historic Agency Construction site In Acres, Date The Lindens. 1765 Plank House 2.0 1744 State Museum Presbyterian Church 1.1 1790 John Dickinson Mansion 18.3 1790 Fort Christina Monume nt2- 0.. 9 1938 Old Sussex County Courthouse .0.2 1793 Fisher House (White Meadow Mansion) 0.5 1722 Allee House 0.03 1750 Samuel Davies House 1708 Sign of the Buck Tavern 5.0 1750 Buena Vista 51 .9 1840ts Woodburn4 1790 In some cases exact dates.of construction are not available by record; most accepted date Is shown here. 2 The monument, erected in 1938, was to commemorate the landing of the first Swedes In 1638. 3 The land area is under Federal ownership @Bombay HooR National Wildlife Refuge) wi'th a twenty year renewable lease to the State of Delaware, 4 presently, the Governorts House-Arbas not used as living quarters are open to the public. 9 TABLE I (conti nued) Area Under Significant Historl.c Agency Construction site In-Acres Date Old Robinson House 1723 Early'Swedish Block HoUse5 1.2 1654 Ab botts IM I1 0.06 18807 Octagonal Scho'o 1 1838 LowberHouse .6 1774 Old Now Castle County Court House 1732 Island Field Site 5.0 700-IOOQ A.D. Hale Byrnes House 1.-0 Before 1752 Total, .93.3 5 Believed to be the oldest building in the Delaware Valley. 6 Land is owned by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. 7 Date Is very Indefinite but it is believed to be during the early 1880's. 8 Major archeological find estimated -to have been occupied in 700 A.D. 9 Excludes 3.5 acres used for record storage. 10 io PA. 4 STATE OF DELAWARE 61 SCALE 04 MUS L' ER KILMINGTON EWPO OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS ADMINISTERED 3 N.J. BY THE IDIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS NEWARK A EW 2 Al%t 1. Old Robinson House and Early.Swedish Block House 40 ent 2. Fort Christina Monum 11 3. Hale Byrnes House 1 6 4. Old New Castle County Court House 5. Buena Vista 6. Samuel Davies House and Sign of the 13 Buck Tavern 7. The Linden and Plank House 8. Allee House 4 9. Octagonal School 10. Woodburn 11. State Museum and Presbyterian Church 12. John Dickinson Mansion 6 13. Lowber House 8 14. Isl-and Field Site 6 15 Abbotts,Mill 0 16: Old Sussex County Court House 17. Fisher House (White Meadow Mansion) WILE E.EEI MD, W WYOMiNG X CAMDEN 12 rELTON 14 MtL CAPE HENLOPFm LZiV 17 16 SEAFORD 3 BLADE@S "I VILLE Z' State Forests Over 6j300 acres are under the administration of the Forestry section, State Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry. The purpose of the Section is to manage and maintain State forests to the best advantage of the State. The agency has been further- advised to: "i-Set aside within the State forests, unusual or historic groves of tribes or natural features par- ti6ularly worthy Of permanent preservation, and may make the same accessible and convenient for public use, and may dedicate them in perpetuity to the people of the State for recreation and enjoyment..." Also it is the policy of the Section to make available to the public,. in any suitable manner, these lands for certain types of outdoor recreation. It is for this reaton Table 2 includes all State forests-6nd the activities permitted in them. the land is rhanaged primarily as a timber and pulp producing crop land. Much of the acreage is.rdfor@-ested cut-over woodland which has been brought under State ownership and restored to a meaningful production rotation. Redden State Forest totals 2,992 acres and is designated as East Redden (east of U. S. 11D and West Redden (west of U. S. 113). The East Redden Forest serves as area management headquartert for all State forest lands in Suss ex County. Pending reconstruction after being partially destroyed by fire, the Redden Forest Lodge will be a day-camp facility for youth organi- zations and a meeting facility for civic and church groups. The Lodge is tucked away i n a secl uded part of the forest and provi des an exce I lent oppor- tunity to be amohg the tribes and explord the several miles of forest trails. Locat6d on West Redden Forest is a rustic picnic pavilioh constructed during the 1930's which will accommodate groups of 20 to M or several families. 12 Generally accessible along U. S. Route 113 and Old State Road #213, one mile south of Ellendale, the-1,266 acres of woodland referred to as Ellendale State Forest gives the traveler an Impression of an extensive forest area. The visual quality of the area it due to the excellent loblolly pine growth with well developed, unbroken stands-now.lining the highway for a distance of two miles. The picnic area familiar to all who travel U. S. 113 was the first roadside picnic area constructed In Delaware. Newest and second largest is Blackbird State Forest containing a total of 1,768 acror, in six separate tracts. Although the forest,tracts are predominately covered.with thebak-hickory forest type, over 200 acres of loblolly and white pine plantations have been established. The Blackbird Forest has become a favorite of Scout Troops for primitive camping. A resident forester is available to give informative talks and assistance to private woodland owners. .Since a State Forestry Commission .was not created until 1925, It was difficult to purchase forest lands in northern Delaware, close to population and Industrial centers. Delaware's 6,327 acres of State forests (shown in Table 2) are dis- tributed as follows: 69 percent In Sussex County, 3 percent In Kent County, and 28 percent in New Castle County. Our present thrust is to concentrate on the use and consolidat ton of our three largest tracts Blackbird, Redden and Ellendale. 1.3 TABLE 2 Delaware State Forest Areas, Facilities and Activities Permitted and Available May 1972 C: -0 0 0) F- (n (a Cn 01) L U CF) V) 0 CD CL Area in 0 0 J-- Area Acres U) IL LO Blackbird 1,768 x x x x x x x Red Lion 5 X x x x x Redden 2,992 x x x x x x X Owens 171 X x x x x Appenzeller 119 X x x x Ellendale 1,266 x x x x x x x x Total 6,327* Includes six acres of land used for fire control towers. 14 PA. STATE OF DELAWARE 6 SCALE IN MILES 7 5 10 LS MWON vWft 11 N. J. OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS AD41NISTERED AS STATE FORESTS NEWARK N[W 2 7 1. Red Lion 2. Blackbird 3. Appenzeller 4 Owens 5. Ellendale 6. Redden J oil 9 Fire Towers 6- A 42 13 DOVER 44 MD. WYOMING 9 v MILFORD 14 4--l It .15 CAPE 04 5 W@ 06 3D to 4 f 13 24 SEAFORD LAD 13 4 FRANKFOR@ v'El 15 4 1 t State Parks The Divis[on of Parks, Recreation and Forestry operates nine State parks: four in heavily populated New Castle County, one in Kent County,' and four in Sussex County. All have fine facilities for both passive and, .active recreation enthusiasts. Extensive additional developments are underway in several parks,.based on detailed master plans. prepared by park management.and recreation experts. The facil'ities offered in different parks are quite varied. Lums Pond, ju.st north of the Chesapeake and, Delaware Canal in New Castle County, provides swimming, picnicking, boating, natu.1re enjoyment, and youth group camping as its major features. Even closer to Delaware's population center, Brandywine Creek State As over extremely scenic and Park provides miles of nature and hiking-tral, varied upland terrain. Year round nature proarams based,on the park's modern nature center, and an active environmenta.1 education program att ract school classes, youth groups, and the general public. White Clay Creek State Park just north of Newark is in the first stage of development. Intensive day use is expected. Fort Delaware State Park, recently designated as a National Historic Landmark, offers picnicking facilities as well as historical interpretive programs. It is on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware.River. The northern end of the I.sland is occupied by a heronry Where eiaht species of egrets and herons roost or nest. A nature trail. and overlook would make this a great natural attraction. 16 TABLE 3 Outdoor Recreation Areas and Permitted Activities Under the Jurisdiction of the Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry May 1972 C n tn a) M n (D 0 U 0 -!4 C M 0 t- =3 U - o) @a 0 U a) 0 CL E C Z +- - +- C E _r_ C: 0) U 0 0 - - M Facility Acres Parcels u- Q- V) M (n CL (n a) White Clay Creek 1 x x x Brandywine Creek 433.5 1 x x X X, 6 Fort Delaware 161.1 2 x x x x x Ila 5 Lums Pon d 956.9 .1 x x x x x x 110 .2 32 Killen Pond 561.4 1 x x x X x x 18 Cape Henlopen 10445.9 2 x x x x x x 210 39 Delaware Seashore 2,009.9 3 x x X x x x 41 1 Holts Landing 33.0 1 x x x x x 14 Trap Pond 965.3 -1 x x x x x x 320 37 Total 6,839.8* Excludes Delaware River Waterfront currently under negotiation (contains approximately 157 acres). 17 PA. STATE OF DELAWARE 0 2 141A SCALE IN MILES 7 44 0 5 10 LS KILMINGTON VA" - 'LI;'i N.J. OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS ADMINISTERED 11 1, 13 'I AS STATE,PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS NEWARK NEW 2 7 CASTLJE 1. White Clay Creek 2. Brandywine Creek 01 3@11 3. Fort Delaware nE.A,1YAPE%1. 4. Lums Pond 4 01 5. Killen Pond .x 6. Cape Henlopen 7. Delaware Seashores A 8. Holts Landing (Recreation Area) N li, A 9 9. Trap Pond io*ip- 3 9 1 Towi-FN@11' Delaware River Waterfront (Recreation Area under negotiation 9 42 0 @CITOI 42 44 DOVER' C IE I HARTLY MID, Wyot--- 9 CAMDEN A 13 ... 11A 10 FELTON 1,21 12 MILFORD S"UGHTER k"CH 4-1 11 1711-11" 13 14 16 ELL-VALE CAPE HFNLOPEN M11TON LEWES 6 30 .-@PEVILLF I C4 14 Fif .... T. -C.. 24 SEAFORD 0 81A 30, 2 24 3 24. 9 2 99 9 T71 14 r Central Delaware's only major park (in Kent County) is Killen Pond State Park. It offers swimming, picnicking, active play areas, nature trails, and fishing as major attractionsi It Is the site of many camporees by adult camping organizations and by youth groups, with 500 to 1,,000 or more participating in a single event. The parks in Sussex County: Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, Holts Landing, on salt water, and Trap Pond, Inland, are heavily used from May'til November. Readily acces sible via the Bay Bridge, they attracted a total of 2,500,000 visitors in 1971. Trap Pond State Park, near Laurel, is highly picturesque with tall loblolly pines and the northernmost baldcypress swamp in the nation. It offers swimming, boating,. fishing, family and group camping, picnicking, and nature study. The other three parks have beaches with ocean and/or bay swimming, surf and bay fishing, and water-oriented activities. Cape Henlopen offers family, youth,group, and primitive camping, and well developed nature study areas. A sanctuary area has been established for sea birds. Miles of paved roads traverse this former military base and provide the best bicycling In the park system. Family camping and surfing are offered at Delaware Seashore State Park. The Indian River Boat B3sin,*Incorporated is located here providing extremely convenient access to fine fishing areas in the bays-and the, ocean. Extensive boating is possible; the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal provides for further additional boat travel., As of May 1972, the State Parks System Included some 6,840 acres. Brandywine Springs,Park, formerly State-owned, was transferred to the New Castle County Parks.and Recreation Department In 1971. 19 Fish and Wildlife Areas The Fish and Wildlife Divis-ion provides-public hunting and fishing areas for all interested persons. Presently, the Division has 21,361 acres under its jurisdiction. However, the Division realizes that its present holdings are inadequate and continues a policy established a few years ago to acquire additi'onal land and water areas for public enjoyment. Three large tracts of land in central Delaware are used for both large and small game hunting. These wildlife areas are Blackiston, near Kenton, Petersburg, near Felton, and Milford Neck, near Milford. Hunting Is also allowed along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal lands. Although the Federal government owns most of these lands, they are used for public hunting through a licensing agreement between the two agencies (Federal and State). Five of the State waterfowl hunting areas exceed 500 acres; Augusti,ne Beach Wildlife Area in New Castle County encompasses 1,409 acres, Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, in northeast Kent County, consists of 3,771 acres. The Little Creek Area, east of Dover, has a total of 3,866 acres. Primehook Wildlife Area Us in northeast Sussex County and contains 635 acres. In southeast Sussex County is the Assawoman Wildlife Area with 1,460 acres. The Woodland Beach and Little Creek areas both have large frontages on the Delaware Bay and are very close to the Bombay Hook National Wildlife, Refuge. The Pri mehook area is near an area being acquired for another federal wildlife area similar to the Bombay Hook National WiAdlife Refuge. The Assawoman Wildlife Area is on Little Assawoman Bay and is very close to the Atlantic Ocean. There are a few other areas used for waterfowl' hunting, but they are presently too small for much development. Other game, 20 both large and small,.is also prevalent and accessible to sportsmen I n these areas. The Delaware R.i.ver, the Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean constitute the eastern boundary of the State, affording salt water fishermen some of the best fishing in the country. The-Fish and Wildlife Division, in order to provide access to these waters as well as to other tidewater rivers and bays, has acquired many conveniently located boat launch sites. The most heavily used boat launches that they have constructed are as follows: Augustine Beach on the Delaware River, Woodland Beach and Bowers Beach on the Delaware Bay, several sites in the Indian River - Rehoboth Bay - Assawoman Bay area, Lewes at the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, Milton on the Broadkill River and Philips Landing on the Nanticoke River, now known as Nanticoke Wildlife Area. The Fish and Wildlife Division has purchased many fresh water.ponds and has reflooded other old pond sites, providing excellent fresh water fishing throughout the State. The-most popular State-owned pond in New Castle County Is Lums Pond, just north of Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Good f I sh I ng in Kent County can be found at Garrisons Lake, Andrews Lake, Derby Pond, McGinnis, Pond, Coursey Pond and McCauley Pond. Near Milford are Silver Lake, Haven Lake, Griffiths Lake and Blairs Pond; all four are split by the Kent Sussex County Line. Sussex County ponds that offer good fishing including Abbotts Pond, Craigs Pond, Portsville Pond, Records Pond, Horsey Pond, Raccoon Pond, and Ingrams Pond. Many of these ponds have attractive picnic areas. Photography possibilities are numerous at these places, particularly at some of the clear water ponds in the southern part of the State. 21 TABLE 4 Outdoor Recreation Areas Under the Administration of the Division of Fish and Wildlife May 1972 Acres Facility Total Land Water 1. Lums Pond 563.0 413.0 150.0 2. Reedy Island 50.0 50.0 3. Augustine Beach 1,408.9 1,408.9 4. Appoquinirilink Wildlife Area 33.7 33.7 5. Woodland Beach 3,771.2 3,771.2, 6. Duck Creek 12.6 12.6 7. Blackisfon Wildlife Area 1,417.1 1,417.1 - 8. Garrisons Lake 101.9 2.9 99.0 9. Llt-'61-le Creek Wildlife Area 3,866.2 2,601.2 1,265..0 10. SPCA Dog Shelter 2.0 2.0 - 11. Moores Lake 53.7 12.2 46.5 12. Fox Hall 39.0 39.0 - 13. Pelersburg Wildlife Area 3,463.2 3,463.2 14. Derby Pond 15.0 .3 14i7 15. McGinnis Pond 137.6 102.6 35.0 16. Sot-,,crs Boach Access Area 13.1 13.1 - 17. Andrews Lake 24.3 12.3 12.0 18. Ccursey Pond 63.0 4.8 59.0 19. McCauley Pond 55.0 - 55.0 20. Milford Neck 1,374.3 1,374.8 - 21. Silver Lake 34.3 .3 34.0 22. Haven Lake 92.7 17.3 75.4 23. Griffiths Lake 35.0 .3 34.7 24. Blairs Pond 94.0 67.0 27.0 25. Abbotts Pond 25.3 10.3 15.0 26. Cedar Crook 15.0 15.0 - 27. Foa I er Boach 2.0 2.0 - 28. Prinx-ahook 11i Idlife Area 635.0 635.0 - 29. Milton Access Area .7 .7 - 30. Waples Pond 73.0 3.0 70.0 31. Let!os Access Area 1.7 1.7 - 32. Gordon Pond 300.0 - 300.0 33. Rchoboth Say Recreation Area 33.9 33.2 .7 34. Rehoboth BF!y Access Area 70.0 10.0 35. rabbits Ferry 1.3 1.8 36. Gravel Hill 7.4 2.4 5.0 37. Rosedale 8,3ach Access Area 10.0 10.0 38. Popper Crook 17.5 17.5 - 39. Assarioman Wildlife Area 1,459.9 1,059.9 400.0 40. Ingrams Pond 43.0 8.2 34.8 41. Raccoon Pond 4.4 - 4.4 42. Horsev Pond 68.0 8.0 60.0 43. Records Pond 99.8 8.9 90.9 44. Porlsville Pond 33.0 18.0 15.0 45. Nanticoke Wildlife Area 1,761.0 1,761.0 - 46. Craigs Pond 16.0 2.0 14.0 47. Tussock Pond (Collins) 15.3 3.3 12.0 Total 21,360.8 18,431.7 2,929.1 - 22 - .1 PA. STATE OF DELAWARE 61 SCALE IN MILES 4 4 0 5 10 jLMINGTON EW N. J. OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS ADMINISTERED 14 13 AS FISH AND WILDLI.FE AREAS NEWARK 4 EW 7 7 1 . Lums Pond 2. Reedy Island 3. Augustine Beach Wildlife Area 01 - 4. Appoquinimink Wildlife Area 5. Woodland-Beach 2 6. Duck Creek 7. Blackiston Wildlife Area 8. Garrisons Lake N 9 N 01 9. Little Creek Wildlife Area 10. SPCA Dog Shelter 11. Moore's Lake 12. Fox Hall 13. Petersburg Wildlife Area 14. Derby Pond 6_1 15. -McGinnis Pond 16. Bowers Beach Access Area '17. Andrews Lake .7 42 18. Coursey Pond 2 --1 19. McCauley Pond 9 20. Milford Neck Wildlife Area 44 DOVER LITTLE 21. Silver Lake -E 22. Haven Lake MD. wYYqmmm11I 9 23. Gri f f i ths Pond CA MOEN 24. 816irs Pond 25. Abbotts Pond 13 11013 26. Cedar Creek Access Area -TON1 1- IIIIIA 27. Fowler Beach Access Area 28. Primehook Wildlife Area 12 29. Milton Access Area M19 1 20 30. Waples Pond ILFORD 31. Lewes Access Area I 2 SLAUGHTER AFACH 32. Gordon Pond Wildlife Area 242 7 33. Rehoboth Bay Recreation7Area 13 34. Rehoboth Bay Access Area 14 28 35. Rabbits Ferry 7 El -DALE 36. Gravel Hill CAPE WIF"I qEti _.Q 37. Rosedale Beach Access Area 3 S 38. Pepper Creek Access Area -30 3 39. Assawomen Wi Idlife Area C4 47 11 3 35 14 40 . Ingrams Pond 41. Raccoon Pond 42 . Horsey Pond EAFORD 43. Records Pond 20 20 D 44. Portsville Pond, 30, 45. Nanticoke Wildlife Area 4, 2 1.4 46. Craigs Pond :1'-44 43 47. Tussock Pond (Collins) 0 IRAN-RD 2' 41 r5 23 I_54- Roadside Rest Areas The Division of Highways maintains 36 roadside rest and picnic areas throughout th e State, with more being planned or under construction. The, level of development varies,with all areas. All have picnic tables and some have sanitary facilities, provision for outdoor cooking or playground equip- ment. Approximately 60 acres are used for rest areas. The State has several parcels of land that were purchased in conjunction with road building that are large enough for recreational uses. Some are used as picnic areas and rest stations, others are large enou gh for nature study, and many of the exhausted borrow pits have recreational possibilities. The Little League,baseball fields at Smyrna-Clayton are o n former borrow pits and are good examples of land reclamation. There is no record of law which mandates the use of highway land to outdoor recreation, unless it is in compliance with the federal regulations established by the Bureau of Public Roads. The site north of Smyrna is a large area that has been established as a roadside rest by the U. S.,Bureau of-Public Roads. The Division of Highways has, however, adopted the policy that it should effectively and fully utilize Its lands and is strivi.ng to follow this policy by establishing and maintaining roadside rests, picnic areas, and playgrounds facilities which will aid the traveler.@ 24,- PA, STATE OF DELAWARE SCALE IN MtLES a 5 10 US ER Ewpo OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS 13 N.J. ADMINISTERED AS ROADSIDE RESTS NEWARK WM 0 Roadside Rest Areas 01 cily 3 Sol 10w1SF 42 DOVER IT fvI D. WYOMI No CAMDEN A ml LFORD 14 [email protected] 14 LL F@DALE CAPE HENLOPEN U.Iw.c 30 4 t 4 24 SEAFORD 20 SLA@A - 0 c g6 S1 5A 25 - Public Education Institutions Outdoor athletic facilit,ies at many schools are available after school hours for recreational purposes. Usually there is a nominal charge foIr the use of facilities to pay for extra custodial expense and utilities. Whether or not a certain school site is available for outdoor recreation use .is at the discretion of the individual school district. However, the State has adopted the policy that the areas should be made available if there is no inter- ferenc(� with school use. A survey was conducted in May 1972, to determine the extent and type of facilities offered by the respective school districts. These facilities are of considerable value as they often provide the most readily available recreational opportunity for nearby residents, especially those persons who reside within the community in which the facility is I ocated. It is unfortunate to note, however, that the facilities are not.often part of any on-going recreation programs and.their potential is hot fully utilized. The data for New Castle County was gathered through a,more comprehensive survey conducted by the New Castle County Parks and Recreation Department. The data for Kent and Sussex Counties was obtained from the individual school districts and assembled into the tables that follow. Note that "recreation program" as used.here covers only those organized activities which are outside of the [email protected] recreation and sports programs. It should also be noted that there are some inconsistencies in the use of terms among the. Various districts, especially in regard to the manner in which athletic fields are defined and counted. 26 (n G) Z z 2: > > a CD (D 0) (D 0 -0 =1 ::@ :E -1 r- 0 -V 0 -4@ 0 (D =3 0) 0 ul -1 0 c -1 a x 0 -S -0 9z =r 0) 0) -0 -0 (D -0 - 0 S, a, x - a? CL c 0 CL 0 (A (D op :E (D l(Q --4 0 cil - z ur 0 (D CD 0 -1 E; CD 0 CL 1 :3 0 C) U) ED -+0 CL 0) CD =r 0 cr 0 -q z :j J.D.. In OD OD N) %0 r-j P%) 0 ci 0 a -1 a CL V) ul 0 :3 :T 0 -n 0 0 C9 0 - --4, = w 0 W (D CL (D -u kA N) Ili I-T -- CT 4 L) 0 L) -fl Cl N) -4 kA al CL) 0 CD -n -n (n C.) 0 -1- 0 0 o -+ "m JNJ -J 4@6 %A 41. () or U) CL (D 0 cli V) D X, in co 0 0 :3 (A F; L4 :3 CL Ir C) CL c. 0, -1 L14 CN Ul C CL @- CD C.) LT 0 -+ U) U) -+ C7 -+ G) (n 0) 0 i CD Q) C) ci < 0 (D c > In In 3 :3 w 0 -0 N) ci r- -< m c r m -0 -0 U) CL ir () Z-0 (a 0 Ln j Ul -A. kA %,n -1 0 LA 0 0 3 -1 0 0" Z> - CD 0 - V C; 0 0 0 0 ::r Q G) < (D 0 CD 0) (DIO 0 0 0 C) 0 a 0 C, a 0 0 -z t 0 0 =r - - CD 0 (D (n %0 :3 U) .0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 - CD CD CL CD 06 0 0 0 0 Uli a C@ C) C) C) CD (A 0 1> cn CL @4 - L.4 N) 0 (D 0% - C) m co %0 %0 %.n -thb co 0% %0 -A. LA OD -A. L4 CD (D :4 TABLE 6 School Facilities in Kent County by School District, April 1972 Caesar Lake Kent Vo- Smyrna Capital Rodney Forest Milfordl Tech Indoor Facilities (No.) Auditoriums 2 N/A 2 0 4 0 Gymnasiums 2 N/A 8 0 5 0 Club Rooms (all types) 10 0 0 2 1 1 Multi-Purpose Rooms 4 N/A 0 4 0 0 Total. 18 12 10 6 10 1 Outdoor Facilities (No.) Athletic Fields 6 6 4 5 3 0 Playgrounds with Equipment 5 7 7 4 8 0 Tennis Courts 0 6 a 2 a 0 Swimming Facilities 0 0 0 0 0 0 Multi-Purpose Courts 0 2 0 0 1 0 Other* 4 0 0 2 0 0 Total 15 21 19 13 20 0. Recreation Programs" Existence of Programs YES YES NO YES YES No School Sponsored NO N/A YES YES - Other Sponsor: YES N/A NO YES - Municipal YES NO - Other NO YES - 'Total Acres In School Use (All purposes) 191 81 190 158 130 63.9 Other includes basketball courts, undesignated paved play areas, etc. Excludes recreation programs and intramural sports programs which are part of the regular school activities and schedule. 1. Includes only the Outdoor Facilities at Ellendale school closed. 28 TABLE 7 School Facilities in Sussex County by School District, April 1972 Cape Indian Sussex Woodbridge Seaford Laurel Delmar Henlopen River Vo-Tech I ndoor Fact I I ties (No4 Auditoriums 3 3 0 1 2 2 0 Gymnasiums 2 5 2 1 3 6 0 Club Rooms (all types) 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Combinations/Multi., purpose 0 2 3 0 5 4 0 Total 5 10 5 3 10 12 0 Outdoor Facilities (No.) Athletic Fields 2 1 1 1 2 4 0 Playgrounds with Equi.p. 3, 5 '3 1 5 11 0 Tennis Courts 2 4 2 0 2 4 b Swimming Facilities 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Multi-Purpose Courts 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 Other* 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tolea 1 8 10 7 2 9 23 0 Recreation Programs" 'Existence of Programs NO YES YES YES YES YES NO School Sponsored - NO NO NO NO NO - Other Sponsor: - YES YES YES YES YES - Municipal - N/A YES NO NO NO - Other - N/A YES YES YES YES - Total Acres in School Use (All purposes) 181 100 150 20 119 150 85 Other includes undesignated play areas, etc. Excludes recreation programs and Intramural sports programs which-are part of the regular school activities and schedule. 29 Inventory of Public Areas Used for Outdoor Recreation Under County and Municipal Ownership Public bodies which have jurisdiction over outdoor recreation areas other than the State and Federal governments are counties and Incorporated municipalities. To date, only one of the three counties, and less than half of the municipalities, have established public outdoor recreation areas or manage lands for outdoor recreation purposes. County Outdoor Recreation Areas With the exception of the State and Federal agencies, New Castle County has the large st total amount of outdoor recreation land under its jurisdiction. The County has jurisdi-ction over 3,060 acres ranging in size from play lots under five acres, to a reservation of over four hundred and sixty acr es. Most of the areas are classified as neighborhood or district parks where very active recreation pursuits are conducted. It can be seen that the majority of the County parks have been strategically located to serve the-more densely populated areas. It appears that the most prevalent uses connected with these park areas are playgrounds, picnicking, basketball, baseball and of course open-areas. These outdoor recreation areas presently under the jurisdiction of the New Castle County Park and Recreation Department are contributing to the overail need for recreation areas for Delawareans, as well as contributing to the need for urban recreation areas. 30 TABLE 8 Outdoor Recreation Areas Administered by New Castle County Parks and Recreation Department KEY TYPE USE CODE P - Playlot - under 5 acres I Baseball/Softball N - Neighborhood - 5 to 30 acres 2 Basketball D - District - 30 to 75 acres 3 Football/Soccer R - Regional - 75 to 200 acres 4 Playground Res - Reservation - Over 200 acres 5 Picnic 6 Other N No Use Reported Acres impl- Uses Brandywine District 1. Alapocas Woods 109.6 R 1,3 jo5 2. Bonsall- 17.7 N N 3. Brandywood 2.2 P N 4. Carrcroft 1.1 P N 5. Chapelcroft 3.4 P N 6. Darleywoods 5.6 N N 7. Dartmouth Woods 4.8 P 2 8. Davon .10.4 N 4 9. Dovonshire (part of #8) N 4 10. Edenridge 6.1 N N 11. Fair Rock Park 8.8 N 1,2,4 12. Graylyn Hills Park 16.0 N 2 13. Graylyn Park South 7.3 N 2,4 14. Greenmeadow 2.3 P N 15. Greentrea 2.1 P 1,4 16. Harvoy Mill Park 22.5 N N 17. Fl.--)l lyhi 11 0.4 P N 18. Longview Farms (part of #6) N N 19. L.ynnfleld 2.9 P 2,4 20. Neemans Park North 8.8 N 2,4 21. Oaklane Manor 4.4 P N 22. Porkins Run 30.7 D 4,5 23. Prior Road Tract 15.7 N N 24. Radnor Green 5.3 N N 25. Sollors Park 57.3 D 4 5 26. She!lburne 4.2 P 27. Shollpot Park North 19.0 N N 23. Shollpot Park South 17.3 N 2,5 29. Stoncyrun Park 10.0 N N 30. Woodbrook (part of #31) D N 31. V!oodloy Park 35.8 D N 32. Nor-1-hcrest 1.2 P 2,4,6 33. Rockford Park 103.7 R 1,2,3,4,5,6 34. Br--ndywina Park 180.0 R 1,2,3,4,5,6 35. Pringhurst Woods 64.3 D N 35. 17@.,chlal Property (Talley School) 18..2 N N District Total 799.1 31 TABLE'8 (continued) Acres Type Uses Midway District 1. Albertson Park 6.5 N N 2. Calf Run North 4.0 P N 3. Calf Run South 19.2 N 1,2,3,4,5 4. Canby Park West (part of #23) P 1012)14,#5 5. Crossgates 2.2 P 2p4,5 6. Delcastle 460.4 Res 6 7. Dunliden Acres 3.0 P 1;2,4 8. Glenville 44.3 D 1,2,4 9. Graylyn 0.7 P N 10. Highland West' 4.7 P 4 11. Hyde Park 5.2 P 2 12. Milltown'Park 13.5 N lp2j,4,5 13. Montberne Park 8.1 N N 14. Montclare 1.2 P 2,4 15. Pleasant Hills 25.3 N N 16. Sherwood Park 4.2 P 2,4 17. Sherwood Park 11 3.9 P 2,4,5 18. Westgate Farms 7.3 N N 19. wcstview 1.7 P 2,4 20. Woodland Run 57.1 D 1,2,4,5 21. Gateway Farms 15.9 N 5 22. Powell Ford Tract 43.4 D N 23. Canby Park 119.6 R 1,2,3,4p5,6 24. Greenhill.Golf Course 119.0 R 6 25. Brandywine Springs Park 58.0 D 1,5,6 26. Brendywine Springs Manor 4.1 P. N District Total 1,032.5 New Castle District 1. Airport Villa 2.0 P 1,2,4 2. Alban Park 5.4 N N 3. Chelsea Manor 31.7 D 1,2,4 4. Coventry Ridge 85.1 R 1,2,4,6 5. Dunloith 9.4 N .1,2,3,4,5 6. Garfield Park 5.7 N 1,2,4 7. Glendale 3.6 P I B. Jefferson Farms 7.3 N N 9. Llangolen 74.8 D N 10. Penn Acres 7.8 N 2 11. Simonds Gardens 5.9 N 1,5 12. 1-111mington Manor Gardens 9.5 N 1,2,4 13. Rcsega-16e 0.5 P 2,4 14. Rambloton Acres 4.7 P 2,4 15. Lewdon Greene 89.0 P N 16. B3nning Park 156.4 R 1.,2,3,4,,5,6 District Total 498.8 32 TABLE 8 (continued) Acres Type Uses Western District 1..Becks Pond 55.0 D 5,6 2. Brookbend 1.3 P 5 3. Chapel Hill 7.9 N 5 4. Cool Run 25.1 N 2,4 5. Delpark Manor 3.5 P 1)12014 6. Eastburn Acres 5.1 N 1012,4 7. Grendon Farms 4.b P 1,2,4,5 8. Harmony Brook 60.8 D 1,2,4,5. 9. Heritage Park 9.4 N 1,2,4. 10. Meadowwood 10.7 N 2,4 11. Pinecrest 4.1 P 2,4 12. Riverbend Park 10.5 N 2,4 13. Robscott Manor 6.9 N N 14. Windymill 40.8 D 11-2,4 .15. Varlano 5.3 N N 16. Iron Hill 149.9 R N 17. Wiggonts Mill 193.1 R N 18. Carousel Farms 139.8 R N District Total 733.2 New Castle County Brandywine 799.1 Midway 1,032.5 New Castle 498.8 Western 733.2 Total 3,063.6 33 Municipal Recreation Areas The majority of the municipally operated recreation areas are located in New Castle County where the population is most densely congregated. Park facilities are located in Wilmington, Newark, New Castle, Elsmere, Townsend and Delaware City. The majority are in Wilmington which has 39 areas encompassing some 187.3 acres. It should be noted that some other areas are owned by the City but leased to and managed by New Castle County. Wilmingtonsf areas range from passive use parkways to active swimming pools, playgrounds and ballfields. The facilities are among the most varied of any level or unit of government and also Include monuments, vest-pocket parks, landscaped traffic islands or triangles, parkways, and other passiveareas as well as the more traditional recreation facilities. Newark has the second most developed park and recreation system with over 122 acres in 10 areas. Most of these areas are 'for active recreation including tennis, basketball, swimming and similar activities. The rest of the New Castle County municipalities have a combined total of 8 areas and over 97 acres. A complete list of the facilities in New Castle County, their size and predominate uses can be found in the following tables. Recreational needs in Kent and Sussex Counties are being addressed In part by some 60 municipally-owned sites encompassing almost 500 acres. The majority of these sites are located In Dover which has 25 sites and some 209.6 acres devoted to active and passive recreational uses. Water-based recreation and a water-orientation seem to predominate in these two counties with Smyrna, Dover, Wyoming, Milford, Milton, Millsboro, Rehoboth Beach, and Seaford having facilities located on impoundments or 34 major watercourses. Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach are oriented to their bay or ocean frontage and include prime beachlands for recreational uses. The distribution and predominate uses of the municipally-owned recreation areas are shown in the following tables. 35 TABLE 9 Municipal Outdoor Recreation Areas Now Castle County Acres Predominate Uses Wilmington Bancroft Parkway 15.1 None reported - passive use Harrison Triangle 0.1 None reported - passive use Brown Park 4.9 Softball, Football, Playground Canby Grove 1.4 None reported Christiana Park 5.9 Softball, Picnic Columbus Triangle 0.1 None reported - passive use Compton Park 2.5 None reported Concord Triangle 0.1 None reported - passive use Conrad 2.6 Basketball, Playground Cool Spring Park 7.5 Playground Coyne Playground 0.3 Playground Delaware Park 7.1 Basketball, Playground, Picnic Eastlake Playground 0.7 Basketball, Playground, Picnic Eden Park 13.4 Baseball, Basketball, Football, Playground Freeway Playground 2.2 Playground Haynes Park 9.5 Playground, Tennis Johnston Playground 0.6 Caske-I'ball Kirkwood Park 7.7 13:)ske'lball, Playground Kruse Pool 0.5 Swimming Lincoln Park 3.8 Baseball, Basketball, Playground Levering Avenue 0.5 None reported Mack Park 4.5 Basketball, Softball, Playground Madison Park 2.0 Basketball, Softball Matson Run Parkway 29.3 None reported - passive use Old Brandywine Village 1.7 Basketball, Playground Price Run Park 38.5 Wrtball, Basketball, Playground Pulaski Triangle 0.3 None reported - passive use Rodney Square 1.6 Mono reported - passive use Soldiers and Sailors Monument 0.1 MlonMont Stapler Park 2.0 enskol-ball, Playground Tatnall Playground 0.6 Playground Tilton Park 2.9 Playground Ilth and Washington Triangle - passive use 1 0.1 None reported 23rd and Madison Triangle 0.1 None reported - passive use Valley Garden Park 10.2 None reported West Playground 0.2 Basketball, Playground Woodlawn Park 3.7 Softball, Basketball., Playground City Total 187.3 - 36 TABLE 9 (continued) Acres Predominate Uses Newark Barksdale/Casho Mill 17.5 None reported Dickey Playground 8.2 Softball, Basketball, Swimming, Playground Fairfield Playground 8.0 Softball, Football, Tennis, Playground Kells Avenue Playground 5.2 Non 'e reported Kershaw Playground 4.6 Basketball, Tennis, Playground, Picnic Lumbrook Playground 5.3 Basketball, Tennis, Playground McKees Run Playground 4.0. None reported New London Playground 4.5 Softball, Basketball, Playground Phillips Playground 13.7 Softball, Football, Basketball, Tennis, Picnic Rittenhouse Park 46.5 PI'ayground, Picnic Total 122.0 Elsmere Maple Avenue Playground @5.2 Basketball, Playground, Picnic Tamarack Avenue Playground Basketball, Playground Lindon Avenue Playground 2.3 Softball, Basketball, Playground Junction Avenue Playground 1.0 Basketball, Playground Dumont and Osborne Roads .2.9 None reported New Castle Total 11.7 .Battery Park 78.0 Softball, Basketball, Tennis, Playground Total 78.0 Townsend Town Park 1.0 Softball, Basketball Total 1.0 Delaware City Community Center 7.0 Playground, Summer Youth Center Total 7.0 County Total Wilmington 187.3 Newark 122.0 11rm3re 11.7 Novi Castle 78.0 Townsend 1.0 Dol-aware City 7.0 Total 407.0 37 TABLE 10 Municipal Recreation Facilities, Kent and Sussex Counties* As of April 30, 1972 Number Total Predominate 1,1unicipality of Sites Acres Uses Smyrna 5 38.0 Swimming, Playground, Park Dover 25 209.6 Playground Wyoming 1 3.5 Picnicking Leipsic 1 2.9 Athletic Field Little Creek 1 2.5 Playground Mi I ford 1 3.0 Softball Milton 2 14.0 Boating, Playground Lewes (excluding beach) 6 58.3 Playground, Historic Park, easeball CO Rehoboth Beach 8 77.0 @Passivo Parks, Swimming, Fishing Bethany Beach 1 26.0 Beach Millsboro 1 6.5 Picnic, Playground, Boating Seaford 6 45.0 Playground, Softball, Tennis Delmar 1 5.5 Playground, Picnicking Georgetown 1 1.0 Park Passive Use Total 60 492.8 Excludes School Facilities. PA. STATE OF DELAWARE D SCALE IN MILES 5 10 A LS W)NINGTON EWPO N. J. -MUNICIPAL OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS NEWARK 10 4 w 27 7 140 Number of Municipal Areas 0i 01 6 42 Azj VOY 5 IMD WY MIMG - CAMO N .13 12- 1-2 MILFORD \P 14 SLAUGHTER RMH 13 14 CAPF 6 HENLOPEN 2 I.MPEILLE 14 4 _R 5 SEAFORD 20 GAG .0 BET.A.1 6-.. "AH. 39 PRIVATE RECREATION IN DELAWARE New Castle County Game playing and picnicking are the most prevalent uses at these places in New Castle County. Also popular are sightseeing and hiking. Northern New Castle County has the only rolling terrain in Delaware, and the small amount of winter skiing that is done in the State is done there. The streams that are most desirable for canoeing are in this same areai The following table includes the private recreation facilities in New Castle County as of May 1972. TABLE 11 Private Outdoor Recreation Areas New Castle County ACTIVITY Cr '0 =3 C. C C C E E A-- 4- 4- 0) Q U E 4- M 0 :3 0 M < z to Name LL- co (D U Noxontown Pond x x x X. x x x Collins Beach x Delaware River Outboard Marina x Ft. Christina Marina x x Castle HI Ils Liftwood Brookview Apartments Bookside Park Garfield Park x Forwood Redmont x Camp Mattahoon x X.. x x Rambler Boat Works x 40.- TABLE 11 (continued) ACTIVITY Name Eleutherlan Mills* Old Swedes Church* Corbit-Sharp House* New Castle Historic District. Wilmington Skating Club Skating Hanby.Trustees W6o@dlawn Trustees KOA/Bear Hagley Museum Magic Age of Steam Museum Mt. Cuba Observatory Winterthur Museum Brookside Golf Course Rock.Manor Golf Course Lyons Memorial Park 1 War Memorial Park Subdivision Holdings (187.8 acres In 43 areas) Registered Historic Landmark In addition to these facillti.es there are a number of private golf courses with restricted memberships. These have not been Included In the Inventory due-to their closed nature.,, Note: These areas are used primarily fo r active recreational use with the degree of development depending.on local needs, interests and capabilities. 41 Sussex County Camping isa popular useage of private recreation areas in Sussex County, especially in the southeast part of the County, because of the many other act'ivities associated with the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth and Indian River Bays. Golfing and boating facilities are also heavily used. The next most popular activity occurring on private recreation land in the County Is fishing, both fresh and salt water versions being excellent at most times. Table 12 shows the private recreation areas and the recreation activities they support as of May 1972. TABLE 12 Private Recreation Areas Sussex County ACTIVITY C: 4- 0 0 5 Name <"- zM (A U- 00 om Arnold Palmer Dr. Range x Bay Shore Campsites x x x x Camp Antiock x x Careys Camp x x Collins Pond x x Cubbage Pond x x x x Del-Mar-Va Camp x x Fleetwoods Pond x x Hearn Pond x x Hickmans Marina x Indian River Yacht Basin x x Log Cabin Hill x x x x Love Creek Trai ler Park x x Lowes Recreation Area x x x x X Lynn Lee Mobil Village x x x x - 42 TABLE 12 (continued) ACTIVITY Name Masseys Landing Misspillion Light Murrays Farm Nanticoke Shores, Inc. Old Landing Golf Course Old Inlet Campsite Pier Point Marina Pine Haven Campsite Pot-Nets Part-, Rainbow Cove Marina @Laurel Airport (Flying) Georgetown (County) Airport (Flyinq) Steamboat Landing Woodenhawk Camp Ground Treasure Beach--- Big Oaks Camp Holly Tree Leisure Point ''Pine Tree Campsite Holly Lake Rehoboth Airport (Flying) Rehoboth Bay Sailing Area Rehoboth Bay Marina * Rehoboth Country Club Sandy Cove Camping Area Seaford Golf Seaside Campsite Shawns Hideaway Shawnee Country Club Shockleys Boall-Tel South Shore Marina Stissex Recreation Center (archery) Stissex Country Club Swann Keys Tuckahoo Acres Whitehouse Farm Holiday Campground 43 TABLE 12 (continued) ACTIVITY Name Air Stream Association Seaford Pool Seaford Civic Association Seaford Tennis Club Jaycee Playground Jaycee Pool (Seaford) Nanticoke Sportsman Club In addition to these facilities many towns in all three counties offer facilities for organized baseball fLittle League-type), usually under the sponsorship of civic or so cial organizati*ons and clubs. Other facil Mes are In various stages of development, at least two of which are campsites, one of which will be located near Blackbird Landing and is.known as Delmora Park and the other is a KOA facility in Sussex County near Ocean View. Other similar facilities are In the process of being developed; however, their inclusion here would be premature. 44 Kent County Hunting and picnicking are the leading activities at Kent County priva te recreation areas. Swimming and the operation of private aircraft are also enjoyed by I arge numbers of people. The following table lists the private recreation facilities In Kent County as of May 1972. TABLE 13 Private Outdoor Recreation Areas Kent County ACTIVITY C" =3 C 4- +- (1) U 0) 0) 0) .2 M C C 0) CY) CM W U 4-6 (1) 0) @a :@; - 5 E E Q E f CL U) E 3: iz 0 < 0 Name V) CD z: 0 American Legion X' Artis Stables x Ash Park x 'X Barratts Chapel (Museum) Bowers Beach x x Camp George x x x x x x x x Councils Stables x x Del Air Park (Flying) Del Loo x x Do Marie Farm x Dover Fairways x Eastorn Shore Fox Club x Garrisons Lake Golf x x x x Go-Cart x Forl, Landing x x Havon Lake x Jonkins Airport x (Flying) Kont Si-iim Club. x x x Mapledale Country Club, x x Milford Airport (Flying) H 1 1 1 c r Fa rrl,. x I'll I I ers Oond Mt)rris Pon*ft x Tho Oaks x Ileasan41-on Farm 45 TABLE 13 (continued) ACTIVITY Name Smyrna Airport (Flying) Smyrna Swimming Voshells Pond Wheelers Park Woodland Beach Woodside Railroad (Cedar Park) Kenton Gun Club Dover Country Club KOA - Dover Other Private Conservation Holdings In addition to the lands owned by the various levels of g6vern.ment and those used in conjunction with private-commercial recreation purposes, over 10,300 acres in Delaware are owned by Delaware Wildlands. This non-profit conservation group, established in 1961, is dedicated to the preservation of properties it deems irreplaceable and worthy of protection in this natural state. The emphasis of Dqlaware Wildlands originally was the preservation of the stands of Baldcypress in Cypress Swamp and near Trap Pond in Sussex County. More recently, the organization has expanded its emphasis to the New Castle County and Kent County wetlands, especially those along the Delaware Bay. Of the 10,300 acres owned by the organization, approximately 4,900 acres are located in Sussex County, 3,200 acres in Kent'.County and 20200 acres in New Castle County. Approximately 700 acres, adj'acent't6 the Cypress Swamp, are owned.by the organization in Maryland. The areas.owned by Delaware Wildlands are open for OUblic use with permission for nature study, hiking, riding, and hunting. 46 In addition to these holdings., approximately 2,000 - 3,000 acres of land are in "private conservation reserves" and held for conservation purposes. These areas are generally managed in accordance with the State and Federal programs, however, the areas are restricted to public use without permission. Additionally, over 29,000 acres are owned by private paper and pulpwood companies. Most of these ownerships are located in Sussex County with the majority being.the 11,000 acres owned by the Glatfelter Pulpwood Company, and almost 10,000 acres owned by Chesa peake Pulpwood Company. These areas, according to the above companies, are-open for hunting by permit, however, other uses are restricted due to the threat of fire and the lack of sanitary A -ies. These areas are managed by professional foresters and are selectively cut and reforested to assure a sustained growth of marketable timber. Many smaller tracts are al so known to be.owned by lumber or timber interest, however, the exact number and extent of these ownerships could not be ascertained. These areas contribute to the State's outdoor recreation supply and provide valuable open spaces, however, their long-range Value is seriously constrained by their commercial character.. 47 TABLE 14 Ownership of Public Recreation Land, by Type of Government* May 1972 Agency Acres Federal. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge 16,280 'Primehook National Wildlife Refuge 6,655 Corps of Engineers - C and D Canal Kilcohook National Wi'ldlife Refuge 1,487 29,693 .State Archives and Cultural Affairs 93 Forests 6,327 Parks 6,840 Fish a*nd Wildlife 21,361 Highways - Roadside Rests (est.) 60 34,681 County New Castle .3,064 Municipal New Castle County 407 Kent and Sussex Counties 493 900 68,338 *Excluding educational facility areas acreage of these facilit'ies is difficult to accurately ascertain. 48 INVENTORY MAINTENANCE This updating of the State's Outdoor Recreation Inventory raises a common issue - the problem of mai.ntenance. While this Inventory corrects a weakness In Delaware's State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, i.e., the lack of data comparability, It only represents one point in time. The same amount of effort will be necessary to update the inventory again at some future date, unless some method is devised to keep the data current. This problem Is being addressed in the public sector in that the State maintains a fairly sophisticated property inventory system and the major municipalities and New Castle County have a routine updating mechanism. The private sector, however, is almost impossible to routinely assemble. The Soil Conservation Offices of the U. S. Department of Agriculture in each county keep an informal survey, while the State Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control maintains a good record of non-profit and local recreation assistance grant recipients. In New Castle County the Parks and Recreation Department maintains a current list of private recreation facilities, especially those developed as part of subdivisions. A more promising opportunity for continued maintenance of the recreation inventory lies in the efforts of the U. S. Department o f Agriculture's Resource Conservation and Development Project. The data in this Inventory was provided to the Resource Conservation and Development staff for use in their project plan. As part of the operation's plan, each recreation project reviewed for possible Resource Conservation and Development, or other funding or assistance, will be added to the Inventory. Further, one recommended project measure (proposal) is the development of a grid-based mechanized 49 method for geographic coding of all types of resource inventory data. This process would use the State's modified grid procedures and would assign a unique grid coordinate to each inventory record. This data could be maintained on IBM cards or tapes and could be plotted with the use of various computer- data plotter devices., It is hoped thafthis method will be operational in time for the next updating of Delaware's Outdoor Recreation Plan. 50 00 0 0 C)@ C) N) C.0 (A CA) C)