To Reserve One Sunday per Month at Cape Henlopen State Park for Delaware Residents Only
The Issue
Cape Henlopen State Park is a highly beloved summer spot enjoyed by both visitors and local Delaware residents. However, overcrowding—especially on popular weekends—often prevents locals from enjoying the park they help support through taxes and residency. We propose designating one Sunday each month during the 3 peak season months exclusively for Delaware residents to better preserve access and enjoy the parks beauty.
As local tax paying residents, there is nothing more frustrating than finally deciding you are going to take advantage of the state park you pay to live near—and once you finally arrive— you aren’t even able to get a parking spot, let alone a decent spot on the beach not overridden with visitors. Allowing the local tax payers to have one singular day per month dedicated to their enjoyment is going to positively contribute to the local community and potentially benefit the parks environmental health. This exclusive access day will ease congestion, leaving a positive impact on pollution and the safety of those in attendance. Allowing locals to have an exclusive access day also contributes to increased safety and enjoyment! Allowing less crowded locations where our life guards patrol assures a safer day in the water.
The rich local history of the Cape Henlopen State Park dates back almost 200 years, where the parks initial purpose was to serve specifically the residents of Lewes. These areas have since of course expanded which does positively contribute to the upkeep and financial stability of the state park. Recognizing the benefits of the tourism, we have to take a moment to respect and acknowledge the full time residents that pay year round to support the upkeep of this park. Allowing one single day a month will still support the local tourism industry by not effecting 97% of the available peak season dates to attend the state park.
With a clear policy, we can absolutely implement a change that honors both full time local residents and our surplus of visitors that will create balance and fairness for all wanting to attend the beloved Cape Henlopen Beaches!
Please help to get our message out there, so our voices are heard from Rehoboth to Wilmington!
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The Issue
Cape Henlopen State Park is a highly beloved summer spot enjoyed by both visitors and local Delaware residents. However, overcrowding—especially on popular weekends—often prevents locals from enjoying the park they help support through taxes and residency. We propose designating one Sunday each month during the 3 peak season months exclusively for Delaware residents to better preserve access and enjoy the parks beauty.
As local tax paying residents, there is nothing more frustrating than finally deciding you are going to take advantage of the state park you pay to live near—and once you finally arrive— you aren’t even able to get a parking spot, let alone a decent spot on the beach not overridden with visitors. Allowing the local tax payers to have one singular day per month dedicated to their enjoyment is going to positively contribute to the local community and potentially benefit the parks environmental health. This exclusive access day will ease congestion, leaving a positive impact on pollution and the safety of those in attendance. Allowing locals to have an exclusive access day also contributes to increased safety and enjoyment! Allowing less crowded locations where our life guards patrol assures a safer day in the water.
The rich local history of the Cape Henlopen State Park dates back almost 200 years, where the parks initial purpose was to serve specifically the residents of Lewes. These areas have since of course expanded which does positively contribute to the upkeep and financial stability of the state park. Recognizing the benefits of the tourism, we have to take a moment to respect and acknowledge the full time residents that pay year round to support the upkeep of this park. Allowing one single day a month will still support the local tourism industry by not effecting 97% of the available peak season dates to attend the state park.
With a clear policy, we can absolutely implement a change that honors both full time local residents and our surplus of visitors that will create balance and fairness for all wanting to attend the beloved Cape Henlopen Beaches!
Please help to get our message out there, so our voices are heard from Rehoboth to Wilmington!
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Petition created on August 20, 2025