New Lewes playground open in Canalfront Park

“It’s the talk of the town. We heard about it at a playground in Rehoboth.”

That’s what Michelle Hearn said as she watched her daughter, Sophia, play at the new playground in Lewes Canalfront Park.

The safer, more accessible play area opened March 31. Kids quickly flocked there to climb on the signature sailing ship and other equipment.

One of the kids was 5-year-old Zeke Clark, who lost his leg in a lawn mower accident in 2023. Zeke, who was wearing a prosthetic leg, had no problem negotiating the steps, ropes or sliding board on the ship.

His mother, Maria Clark DeForrest, and said accessibility is a big factor for them.

“After he rehabilitated from his accident, we found out that they were going to be redoing it and it’s something we were really looking forward to,” she said. “April is Limb Loss Awareness Month and being able to accommodate anyone who might be in wheelchairs or have differences is really important for the community.”

Assistant City Manager Janet Reeves said inclusivity was one of the goals in designing the new playground.

“This state-of-the-art facility features a variety of interactive play structures, including slides, climbing walls and, in keeping with the maritime setting, a ship,” she said. “We’ve also ensured that the playground is accessible for children with different abilities, providing inclusive play opportunities for everyone. The playground offers a safe and welcoming space for families to gather, socialize and enjoy the outdoors.”

The playground cost just under $400,000. The city received a $125,000 grant from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program. It has applied for a second $100,000 grant.

“I played on the last one when I was her age,” Hearn said. “This is definitely better.”