State park fishing pier damaged by Sandy

Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes was not exempt from the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. A portion of the fishing pier was damaged during the storm, forcing park officials to close the pier until repairs can be made. A downed tree also knocked out a water main, leaving the park without water.

Park Superintendent Paul Faircloth said the portion of the fishing pier that was damaged during the storm is near the end where it narrows and drops lower to the bay.

“We're thinking the heavy surf punched some of the deck boards up,” Faircloth said.

He said the pier will likely remain closed until it can safely be repaired.

Because of the broken water main, Faircloth said, the Nature Center and the Fishing Pier Comfort Station restroom are without water. He said staff has been working to fix the main, and he expects it to be repaired soon.

A section of the ramp at the main beach was lost during the storm, which likely will not be repaired until closer to spring, when storm season is over, Faircloth said. But outside a few minor damages, Faircloth said, the park made out pretty well.