Preserve Our Park is a non-profit volunteer group that advocates for environmental preservation in Cape Henlopen State Park located in Lewes, DE.
Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP) is Delaware’s largest and oldest state park, which borders both the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. CHSP’s well-maintained beaches, wetlands, and woodlands contain essential ecosystems that offer visitors scenic outdoor recreation, nature education, and participation in conservation activities.
Preserve Our Park (POP) actively supports Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) operations which conserve natural resources, promote outdoor recreation, and teach about local plants and wildlife. POP opposes projects that endanger the environment and/or that serve private interests.
Current Initiative:
Support DNREC’s Request for $400,000
To Address CHSP’s Water Leaks
POP supports DNREC's request for $400,000, for the purpose of funding an initial study, including engineering fees and planning phase one of construction, to replace the deteriorated, failing infrastructure of the 80-year-old cast iron water distribution system at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP).
Preserve Our Park pushes for water system upgrades at Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Gazette, 04/27/2026
Why now?
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In 2025 two expensive water leaks occurred, plus a recent leak under repair now
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A critical need in 2023 – 2026 DE Parks & Recreation’s Capital Plan
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Stop-gap repairs are no longer sufficient.
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The risk of a critical pipe section failing on a summer weekend forcing park closure.
The Solution: Add $400,000 in FY2027 Capital Improvement Budget for CHSP
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Mapping: Determine what needs to be done. There is no accurate map of the water system.
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Assessing: Sections of the system may be salvageable while others need to be replaced. We simply do not know until there is a system-wide assessment.
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Stewardship: CHSP has been a valuable state resource for 344 years. Responsible stewardship requires modernizing infrastructure while ensuring public safety.
Supporting Facts:
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Revenue Generator: CHSP has been the one of the two greatest revenue generators of the 17 state parks. Of every dollar spent by visitors to a Delaware State Park, 74¢ in economic impact is returned to the Delaware economy.
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High Demand: 12,899 camping reservations in 2025, average 98% summer occupancy rate
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Large Park Visitor Volume: Visitors in summer place heavy demands on the system.
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Economic Impact: DE state parks raised $822 million & $64 million in tax revenue in 2025.
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Age: CHSP’s water system is more than 80 years old.
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Water Usage: In 2025 there were roughly 2 million CHSP visitors, who used 2–3 gallons water per visitor. 120 RV/Trailer campers used 50 gallons per day per site.
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Park Closure Threatened: Three water leaks occurred in 2025-26. One spilled more than 4.5 million gallons and cost $150,000 to repair.