Coastal Delaware communities are set to see significant upgrades to their parks, trails, and recreational spaces after a record round of state funding was announced this month. 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has awarded 18 matching grants totaling nearly $2.2 million through its Outdoor Recreation Parks and Trails Program. 

Several of those projects are located in Sussex County, bringing a variety of improvements that range from accessible playgrounds to new trailheads and better equipped park entrances.

The total investment for 2026 park improvements overall for our area, including local matching funds, is expected to reach $11.5 million!

According to DNREC, this is the largest grant round in the history of the program for our local parks. 

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A Record Investment in Delaware’s Outdoor Spaces

Parks and public trails are essential to community well-being, and the state is emphasizing the importance of welcoming and accessible outdoor spaces across the state with this dedicated funding being allocated.

The Outdoor Recreation Parks and Trails Program, established in 1986 and funded through income generated by the state’s real estate transfer tax trust, provides matching grants to municipal and county governments for efforts such as these. 

Typically, the state covers up to 50 percent of project costs. For projects in under-resourced communities, that match can increase to 75 percent, dependent on the needs & requests of the projects. 

Michael Tholstrup, the planning manager for Delaware State Parks, explained that the program prioritizes projects sponsored by municipalities and counties, particularly those serving communities with fewer resources. 

This funding structure helps local governments move forward with projects that might otherwise face delays due to budget constraints.

Since its creation, the program has provided more than $38 million in matching grant assistance statewide.

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Sussex County Projects: What Coastal Communities Can Expect

Sussex County received a strong share of this year’s awards, with projects spanning beach towns, inland communities, and county-managed properties. 

Coastal Delaware residents and visitors will see improvements in accessibility, connectivity, and recreational amenities.

Among the Sussex County awards:

• City of Lewes, $150,000 to create ADA-compliant pathways connecting playgrounds, restrooms, courts, and the marina at Canalfront Park
• Town of Bethany Beach, $150,000 for an ADA-compliant playground with rubber surfacing, curbs, and sidewalks at the Municipal Children’s Playground
• Town of Milton, $83,250 to redesign the rail-to-trail roadway crossing at Federal Street with wider ramps and improved safety features
• City of Milford, $190,000 for an entrance road, parking lot, trail construction, fencing, and a gate at Deep Branch Park
• Town of Georgetown, $190,000 for a new trailhead and parking area with bicycle racks, a hydration station, lighting, and informational signage at Parsons Lane
• Town of Millville, $150,000 for planning, design, and engineering of a parking lot at Evans Park
• Town of Selbyville, $101,250 to install fitness equipment along the walking trail and complete site work for a new ballfield
• Sussex County, $100,000 for a new entrance, ADA-compliant parking, stormwater controls, and interpretive signage at the Forest of the Broadkill Preserve

These projects reflect a mix of accessibility upgrades, new recreational features, and infrastructure improvements designed to make parks easier and safer to use.

Accessibility and Inclusion at the Forefront

A notable trend in this year’s grants is the emphasis on accessibility. Many of the funded projects include ADA compliant pathways, playground equipment, parking areas, and restrooms. 

Accessible design ensures that residents of all ages and abilities can participate in outdoor recreation.

In communities like Lewes and Bethany Beach, these improvements will enhance some of the area’s most visited public spaces. 

For inland towns such as Georgetown, new trailheads and parking areas are expected to make existing natural assets more usable and inviting.

Inclusive playgrounds, improved crossings, and enhanced safety features also contribute to broader community benefits, supporting families, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges.

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Why This Matters for Coastal Delaware

Parks are more than open space. They influence quality of life, property values, tourism, and public health. 

In coastal communities where outdoor recreation is central to daily life and the local economy, strategic investments in parks and trails can have lasting impacts.

With Delaware State Parks celebrating 75 years in 2026, this funding round highlights the continued expansion of the state’s outdoor infrastructure. 

From beach towns to rural preserves, these projects strengthen the network of public spaces that make Coastal Delaware attractive to both residents and visitors.

As improvements begin to take shape over the coming months and year, communities across Sussex County will see tangible upgrades that support recreation, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Stay up to date on the latest park improvements, community projects, and real estate news across Coastal Delaware by following our blog and checking back for regular updates!

Sources: Delaware News, Delaware Public Media