White Clay Creek State Park History, Information & Events
ADVOCACY UPDATE
Help Shape Funding Priorities at White Clay Creek State Park
We need your help by advising your local legislators to reallocate funds from the Big Pond project to support other investment priorities in White Clay Creek State Park. This reallocation has been approved by the Citizens Advisory Council, whose members represent the diverse supporters of the Park.
The so-called Big Pond project was ranked very low in the draft MasterPlan and not included in the final MasterPlan for the Park. If it proceeds, it will add significant cost to the Park and ultimately to the State budget. The Park already has numerous ponds, including one focused on fishing.
VIEW THE WCCSP MASTERPLAN >
Underfunded Needs
Over the years, the Park has acquired many structures that now, and in the future, can serve the public if properly preserved and reinvigorated. This effort needs funding, and the Park must judiciously allocate these funds based on the merits of each project.
The following underfunded needs are among those that should be addressed.
LAMBORN DUPONT HOMESTEAD
Preservation and preparation for a possible Park office and Event center.
High score in the Master Plan for a new Park office.
Needs a new driveway over the dam, building reconfiguration, parking, and site preparation.
GABOR BARN (eligible for National Register)
Preservation and preparation for Park maintenance equipment.
Needs framing, stonework, and roof replacement.
JOHN NIVEN FARMSTEAD
Preservation and preparation for a possible Event Center.
High score in Master Plan.
Needs evaluation of barn potential, pond maintenance, and stabilization of house exterior.
JUDGE MORRIS MANSION
Needs essential repairs to exterior and interior.
DUPONT LANGENEGGER PROPERTY
Needs a parking lot and trails.
Concerns About the “Big Pond” Project
The original pond was supported by a low dam built in the 1950’s to create a shallow pond to attract waterfowl for hunting. That dam eventually failed, and the area is now a meadow.
The new pond would require a substantially larger dam, the removal of several acres of trees, and a massive excavation. Additional infrastructure, such as docks, washrooms, ADA access, would be needed to allow proper use.
Funds have been allocated for design work, and the project is at the permitting stage with no definitive timeline for completion. Funds have also been set aside for construction, but that allocation is most likely well below the eventual cost.
The Park currently has a pond that supports fishing, has an ADA accessible pathway from a nearby parking lot, and accessible docks. The parking lot also has restroom facilities.
Citizens Advisory Council members:
Friends of White Clay Creek State Park
Mason-Dixon Trail System
Trail Dawgs
Silent Knights Soaring Society
Trail Spinners
White Clay Flyfishers
White Clay Watershed Association
Wilmington Trail Club
Delaware Equine Council
Contact your legislator and voice your concerns.
Frank Burns
Michael Smith
David Sokola
Mora Gorman
Edward Osienski
John Walsh
Additional Reading
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History of White Clay Creek State Park
From the first purchase of 24 acres in 1968 to about 3,600 acres today, its history is intertwined with early farmers and millers, the duPont family, and a prominent judge.
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Buildings of White Clay Creek State Park
Curious about the buildings and structures you see throughout the park? From barns to ruins to an old pump house – here’s what we know.
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The Railroads of Landenberg
It was 12:05 on October 19, 1872 when the first train on the Wilmington and Western Railroad reached its final destination in the village of Landenberg after passing through the White Clay Creek Valley.
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The Eastburn Barn and the Lamborn/duPont Properties History
Original land grants from the 17th Century were large and later divided between families and via sales. Some were remerged, often by duPont-related individuals. One such estate is now a state-owned park.