Trap Pond State Park is preparing to welcome a major new attraction. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has officially broken ground on a splash zone that promises to bring more family friendly recreation to one of Sussex County’s most beloved outdoor destinations. 

Set to open by mid-summer 2026, the new feature is expected to enhance visitation, support local tourism and give residents in western Sussex County another reason to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

A New Water Attraction For Families

The new Cypress Splash Zone will cover five thousand square feet and sit near the Bald Cypress Nature Center. 

The project includes four separate splash areas designed for different age groups, along with one zone created for inclusive and accessible play. 

The site is planned as a full facility with a clear entry point, restroom facilities, a first aid station, and a maintenance area. Officials are emphasizing the value of this new local community gathering spot, offering a safe and refreshing experience for children and families during the region’s warm summer months.

This addition will support the park’s overall mission to continue finding the means & various ways to provide meaningful outdoor recreation for all residents and visitors to Southern Delaware.

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How Community And Funding Came Together

Local officials described the groundbreaking as the result of years of advocacy and planning. 

State Representative Timothy Dukes shared that he had worked for three years to secure the funding needed to bring the splash zone to life. He noted that the feature will complement the park’s existing amenities while attracting more families during the summer months.

The project’s design and engineering were supported by an Economic Development Administration grant awarded in 2022. 

Additional funding came from state bond bill appropriations and a contribution of one point five million dollars from Sussex County made in 2024. 

County leaders expressed pride in helping bring an amenity to residents living farther from the beach and hope it will encourage more economic activity in inland towns.

Trap Pond’s Unique Natural Setting

Trap Pond State Park is known for its striking natural landscape. Its signature feature is the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees in the United States. 

The park offers an immersive environment of quiet waterways, distinctive plant life and abundant wildlife. 

With more than nine miles of water trails, the area is especially popular among paddlers who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating.

Visitors can also explore a wide variety of recreational options that include hiking, biking, fishing and educational programming. 

The campground is a favorite among families and outdoor enthusiasts, with RV sites, cabins, and access to nature focused activities throughout the year.

Delaware State Parks, including Trap Pond, have earned national recognition for excellence in recreation, management, and community impact, underscoring their vital role in Delaware’s tourism and outdoor economy.

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The Park’s History

Trap Pond’s landscape has a long and rich history tied to the region’s natural resources. In the late eighteen hundreds, the surrounding wetlands were logged for bald cypress wood, which was valued for its durability. 

The wetland was dammed to support a sawmill called Trap Mills, and after years of harvesting the mill eventually closed.

During the nineteen thirties, the Civilian Conservation Corps recognized the area as a valuable space for recreation. 

Workers built pavilions, bathhouses and other structures that still stand today, helping to establish a new era of outdoor enjoyment for western Sussex County. 

Delaware’s Parks Commission assumed ownership in 1951, making Trap Pond the first official state park in Delaware.

The park also holds deep meaning for the local Black community. Jason Beach, located on the eastern shore of the pond, served as a gathering place for celebrations, picnics, church events and baptisms. 

While segregation was not formally required within Delaware’s state parks, community memory and historic accounts reflect that the beaches at Trap Pond were used in a separated way.

Among Delaware’s extensive network of state parks, it’s easy to see why the system has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years. 

Each park offers its own blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and preservation efforts that make Delaware a true haven for nature lovers.

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What Visitors Can Experience Today

Trap Pond offers a wide selection of activities that appeal to all ages:

• Educational exhibits at the Bald Cypress Nature Center, including a replica bald cypress tree and a five hundred gallon aquarium
• A virtual pontoon tour and hands on learning experiences connected to the park’s ecosystem
• The Barnes Woods Nature Preserve, a twenty-three acre upland forest with a peaceful loop trail
• Five unique trails, including pet friendly and accessible options
• Action Trackchairs for visitors with mobility challenges

With recreational programming that ranges from pontoon tours and animal talks to wagon rides, craft activities and campground bingo nights, the park has become a steady favorite for families, locals, and travelers seeking a quiet escape into nature.

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Summer 2026

The new Cypress Splash Zone is expected to become a welcome addition to the park’s offerings. 

Its accessible location near the nature center parking lot and its thoughtful design for different age groups will allow more families to enjoy water play in a natural setting. 

Combined with Trap Pond’s long history, diverse environment and strong community support, the splash zone is poised to further strengthen the park’s role as a cherished destination in Sussex County.

If you love staying updated on new attractions, community projects and developments across Coastal Delaware, make sure to follow the blog for more local stories and insights!

Source: Delaware News