Seaford officials hope a new waterfront park will protect the environment and enhance the local economy.
The city of Seaford and the Chesapeake Conservancy announced plans for the small park off the Nanticoke River Friday.
The Conservancy bought the acre of land and donated it to city. The park will include a kayak launch and other amenities.
Chesapeake Conservancy CEO Joel Dunn said he envisions the park as a trail head to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail - attracting visitors to Seaford from across the U.S.
“Our goal is to create an economic driver for the city of Seaford and the communities in Delaware that celebrates their natural and cultural heritage,” he said.
Chesapeake Conservancy Board member Randall Larrimore said protecting the river is important to him. He says his father helped clean up the river as mayor in the mid 1950’s.
“And so it’s really thrilling to me to follow in my father’s footsteps and help create this park and this access site so people can explore the Nanticoke, travel up the Nanticoke,” he said.
The park will go on the site of the old J.B. Robinson Oyster House. Mayor David Genshaw said the city also plans to build a new oyster house on the property. But he says they need to raise money for it.
Genshaw said the construction is likely a couple of years down the road.
