Race to save Fourth Street Preserve

The campaign to save Lewes’ Fourth Street Preserve took another step forward – in fact, thousands of steps.

The Open Space Alliance held its inaugural Race for Open Space 5K run and one-mile fun walk April 20. The alliance teamed up with Seashore Striders to host the event, which started and ended in George H.P. Smith Park. More than 200 people signed up to run or walk.

“I think it went fantastic,” said Jim Ford, Open Space Alliance chair. “It’s a worthy cause for a lot of people. It’s very close to their hearts.”

Ford said they are planning to have another race next year. The course took people past the 29-acre Fourth Street Preserve.

At one point, a herd of deer sprinted through the open space, causing some people to stop and admire the animals.

“Anytime I can support a cause like this is excellent,” said Robert Saylor, who came from State College, Pa., to run the 5K.

The alliance has been fundraising for the past year, trying to raise $8.3 million to buy the preserve and protect it for future generations. They have raised more than $2 million so far.

Research recently uncovered information that the preserve was the first deeded land in all of Delaware in 1670. The alliance is hoping the historical significance will help them get a state grant.

They are also close to receiving a $1 million matching grant from the Longwood Foundation.

Ford said the alliance is holding more fundraisers, including one at Children’s Beach House in June and an art show in July.

As for the race competition, 16-year-old Riley Stazzone, who runs track at Cape Henlopen High School, won overall male championship. Melissa Wiley of Ocean City, Md., won overall female title. The full list of winners can be found at osalewes.org.

After the race, the alliance announced 15 winners of an Earth Day poster competition for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Lewes Elementary School. 

Winners include:

Third grade: Greta Bender, Grayson Charles, Giana Giroux, Jessyca Martinez, Madison Miller, Colin Strumpf

Fourth grade: Annabel Banari, Bella Sockriter

Fifth grade: Lincoln Fyock, Jameson King, Addie Lerer, Dax Lerer, Anna Liang, Sadie Strumpf, Natalia Tikiob.

Each winner received a $25 gift certificate to Kids’ Ketch in Lewes. The artwork was displayed in George H.P. Smith Park during the event.

A second fundraising campaign, organized by the Sussex County Land Trust, is also underway to raise $9 million to buy and protect the Ard na Greine tract. It is an 89-acre parcel located just outside Lewes city limits between Savannah and New roads. That campaign has raised about $2 million toward its goal.