City of Lewes, Delaware

Plans & Projects

Canal Front Park Project

Design components of the Canalfront Park Project represent the development of over three acres adjacent to the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal that include the Old Lewes Boatyard site and the State of Delaware, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) existing boat launch facility.

THE CANALFRONT PARK’S AMENITIES:

When completed the Lewes Canalfront Park will be one of the finest waterfront parks found anywhere on the Delmarva Peninsula.

The park's amenities will include:

CONSTRUCTION OF THE INITIAL PHASE:

The Canalfront Park is being constructed in phases. The initial phase included construction of the marina (pictured below), the fishing pier with shelter structure, the 12’ wide boardwalk along the canal and general site improvements. The site improvements include the installation of utilities, grading the site, landscaping and establishment of grass throughout the initial construction area. The state of the art floating dock system and beautiful cedar boardwalk have also been completed.

THE CANALFRONT PARK MARINA (Accommodations & Dockmaster Operations):

The Marina boat slips can accommodate a boat up to 25 feet in length and 12 feet in beam; or a boat up to 55 feet in length, 16 feet in beam and a draft of 3' 6" or less (at low tide). The boat slip lease rate is $2.00 per linear foot per day. Transient boat slips are available for a maximum of 7 consecutive days. To reserve a slip, you may print out the Canalfront Park Marina Agreement (Transient) Form, complete the information, and fax the completed form to the City of Lewes, 302-645-6406. You may also contact the Dockmaster at 302-644-1869 regarding boat slip availability.

The Dockmaster's Office is located within the Park Administration Building at 211 Front Street, Lewes. Dockmaster office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. When placing a reservation, please provide your name, phone number, length of boat (with draft) and date and time of arrival. Boat slips are not reserved until full payment is received and the reservation is confirmed.

PARK DEDICATION CEREMONY:

The City formally dedicated the park at a ceremony held at the park site on Saturday, June 2, 2007. The ceremony was attended by a host of state and local dignitaries including Governor Ruth Ann Minner, U.S. Representative Mike Castle, state Senator Gary Simpson, state Representative Joe Booth, Sussex County Councilman Lynn Rogers and numerous others, along with several hundred local residents. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mayor Ford declared the first phase of the City's new Canalfront Park open to the public.

PHASES OF PARK DEVELOPMENT:

RESTROOM FACILITIES & OVERLOOK STRUCTURE:

The following elements of construction have been completed:

• Public Restrooms
• Cedar Overlook Deck on top of the restroom structure with steel handrails
• Oerlook Pier with steel handrail system
• Walkways and planting beds

VILLAGE GREEN - (January 2009 - June 2009):

Following the acquisition of the previous DNREC boat ramp and parking lot property by the City and removal of the asphalt from the site, the City has begun construction of the Village Green component of the park. The Village Green will be one of the most visually striking elenments of the park. It will consist of a broad oval swath of lawn approximately the size of a fotball field. Paths, benches and lighting will enclose the beautifully landscaped area. The large open area will provide the perfect space for outdoor events such as farmers markets, summer concerts, art exhibits, etc.; as well as a large area for residents and visitors to relax in a shaded setting, have picnics, engage in recreation, and participate in other scheduled activities. A large circular Pavilion will also be integrated into this final phase of the Canalfront Park that will serve as the location within the community for its many annual entertainment and educational activities. The estimated completion of the Village Green is June 2009.

" FRIENDS OF THE LEWES CANALFRONT PARK "

" Friends" is a volunteer organization that will help the City maintain the Park through annual fund raising, communications and program development. The Friends organization is chaired by Joe & Debbie Schell. To learn how you can become a member, please visit the Friends of the Lewes Canalfront Park web site where you will also find information related to the following:

CAMPAIGN FOR THE PARK:

The Greater Lewes Foundation's current Fund Raising "Campaign for the Park," includes flexible giving options, donor recognition, and naming opportunities (that include a plaque to acknowledge contributions for funding of major elements of the park infrastructure). The Campaign is currently underway; and fundraising activities will continue in order to raise the additional funds needed for costs throughout the current "Village Green" phase of the park.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For information on how you can help support the development of the Canalfront Park, please contact Mr. Mike Rawl, Executive Director, Greater Lewes Foundation, stop by the Park Administration Office located in the "Net House" at 211 Front Street (adjacent to the Old Lewes Boatyard), or call 302-645-2795. The Park Building is open Monday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You can also pick up a flyer and a free history of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal as well as view a model of the Park and maritime photos.