After residents packed a Delaware Parks and Recreation Council meeting earlier this month to mostly express concerns about a proposed restaurant at Cape Henlopen State Park, the state agency has responded to one of the public’s requests.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host another public meeting to hear from residents at the Cape Henlopen High School auditorium on Monday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will share a presentation and seek feedback about the proposed restaurant, which would be located on the north side of the park’s main beach parking lot.
ABOUT THE PROPOSAL:You could see a restaurant at Cape Henlopen State Park in a couple years. What we know
The restaurant idea came from a publicly bid request for a proposal to manage the park’s main beach area concessions, which includes food and rentals like chairs and umbrellas, with the potential for expanded “visitor services.” Surveys showed park users wanted a higher level of food service and improvements to visitor amenities, according to a DNREC press release.
DNREC granted a one-year contract to La Vida Hospitality Group in April, with exclusive rights to negotiate for an extension of up to 24 years. La Vida already provided concessions at Cape Henlopen this past summer.
As part of that contract, La Vida had the option to propose a more full-service restaurant or a similar idea, with time built in so each party could conduct “due diligence” before making any final decisions, according to DNREC. The restaurant group pitched this additional restaurant, as well as a plan to build more public restrooms alongside the new building.
The division first accepted feedback about the proposed restaurant at an open house at Cape Henlopen State Park in June, during which the restaurant was one of many projects and proposed planning efforts discussed. Dozens of people also gave public comment during the Delaware Parks and Recreation Council’s Nov. 3 meeting.
Now, members of the public will have another chance to get involved.
Can’t attend the meeting on Dec. 5 but still want to provide feedback? Those interested can visit destateparks.com/contact and select “Cape Henlopen Restaurant Proposal” from the Delaware State Parks location drop-down menu.
LEARN MORE:Does a proposed restaurant at Cape Henlopen State Park violate state law? What we know
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
