Governor Markell has proclaimed Sunday, June 5th to be Delaware State Parks Day!
Admission to Delaware’s state parks will be free on Delaware State Parks Day, with the exceptions of Fort Delaware and the Brandywine Zoo, through sponsorship from the Delaware Tourism Office’s “Visit Delaware.” This day also coincides with a Free Fishing Day— double prizes, freshwater fishermen and fisherwomen of Delaware!
The Delaware State Parks system was awarded the National Gold Medal Award this year from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and National Recreation and Park Association as the nation’s best-managed parks system.
Delaware State Parks is also celebrating their 65th anniversary this year.
Tourism in Delaware contributes $3 billion to our economy annually – and having the best state parks in the country is key to our success. Delaware attracts multitudes of out-of-state – and in-state – visitors who come to enjoy scenic and recreational destinations like the Junction & Breakwater Trail at Cape Henlopen for biking, Delaware Seashore State Park and the Indian River Marina for surf-fishing and boating, Lums Pond for zip-lining, along with many other great outdoors and cultural experiences. I encourage Delawareans and visitors to our state alike to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity on June 5 to enjoy all our parks have to offer.
—Gov. Markell
“The state parks system is a scenic and exciting way for visitors to discover what makes Delaware special. The state drew a record eight million visitors in 2014 thanks in large part to Delaware’s five-star beaches, which include beaches at three state parks. Visit Delaware’s continued partnership with Delaware State Parks, through programs like the Delaware Outdoor Trail, keeps that tourism momentum going.
—Delaware Tourism Director Linda Parkowski
Delaware has 17 state parks. At first I considered recording a video of me trying to get to all of them on June 5th, but parks are only open from dawn to dusk. Even when you take away Fort Delaware and the zoo I’m not sure I could manage it with beach traffic, it would be misery trying, and I definitely wouldn’t really get to “experience” the parks.
So, I’ll probably just choose one or two or three— most likelty Trap Pond and Killens Pond, as I haven’t been to those since I was a kid.
What’s your favorite Delaware State Park?
