DNREC plans upscale cottages in state park

Members of the Preserve Our Park Coalition gathered Nov. 25 at the Primitive Youth Camp just off of Dune Road in Cape Henlopen State Park.

Their meeting was at the site where the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control wants to build 11 upscale rental cottages.

The coalition is opposed to the development, claiming the cottages will have a negative impact on wildlife and on a proposed dark skies lighting initiative in the park.

“This is a beloved place,” said Elaine Simmerman, one of the coalition members. “What is coming next? You know, once you plant your flag in the ground.”

The coalition said DNREC should remain true to the 1979 Warner Grant Land Trust, which set the park’s mission as recreation, conservation and education.

DNREC laid out the proposal at a meeting Nov. 13, which also included details of an expansion and upgrade of the current campground. The agency also showed renderings of a former underground ammunition storage bunker that it plans to renovate for overnight accommodations.

The coalition said it supports the reuse of historic structures in the park.

DNREC describes the new cottages as full-service, two- to three-bedroom spaces with kitchens, bathrooms, laundry facilities and indoor/outdoor living space. The agency plans to rent them at rates comparable to Airbnbs in Rehoboth Beach.

DNREC said the cottages will be in a secluded community to minimize environmental impact.

But, Sally Boswell, a member of the coalition, said they are concerned the development does not fit the park’s mission.

“The park is not huge. It’s really a small park, so every bit of development chips away at what the park is supposed to do. We just feel it’s worth protecting,” Boswell said.

Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach, toured the site with the coalition Nov. 25. She said she was surprised to learn about the project, because the Legislature passed Senate Bill 6 last session to protect the park from commercial development.

“The bill clearly states DNREC may not develop hospitality amenities such as a restaurant, hotel, hostelry or entertainment center. The construction of 11 upscale rental houses in the park, the functional equivalent of a hotel or hostelry, clearly violates the spirit of the law,” Snyder-Hall said. “I hope that this plan does not move forward and that the federal money being earmarked for it can be reallocated for improvements that are less destructive.”

The Cape Henlopen cottage project was first announced in 2022 as part of a $3.2 million federal grant, paid for by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Those funds cover planning and construction design. DNREC’s Nov. 13 presentation said construction funds have not yet been allocated.

The timeline shows 90% of the development phase to be completed by next summer.

There are smaller rental cabins at the Cape Henlopen State Park campground.

Rental cottages are available next to the Indian River Inlet marina.

The Preserve Our Park Coalition was formed in 2022 in response to DNREC’s plan to build a restaurant near the Hawk Watch. DNREC put the plan on hold in response to overwhelming public opposition.

The coalition has also spoken out against plans to tear down the McBride bathhouse and build a new, two-story facility between the current building and Hawk Watch.

The Primitive Youth Camp is used by various Boy Scout troops for short-term, overnight camping. DNREC plans to move the camp to the current campground location.

John Brady, a volunteer scout leader with the Delmarva Council of Scouting America, said the development should not have a major impact.

“[Scouting] has no official position on the project, as long as camping opportunities are available in the state park,” Brady said.

DNREC’s presentation can be found at documents.dnrec.delaware.gov.