The following is an open letter to Lewes Mayor James L. Ford III and Lewes City Council:

The Henlopen Soccer Club was delighted when it first learned that the City of Lewes was interested in speaking with the club about the possibility of its relocation to the 20-acre tract of open space owned by the city between New Road and Park Road. Since 1993, the club has proven highly successful at providing children with a place to learn, play and love the game of soccer; however, it has been less successful at finding a partner who would share its other goal - a location the players and families of the Henlopen Soccer Club could settle in and call home.

The club has played all over the Lewes area and now most recently in Milton. While the club truly appreciates the temporary home the Cape Henlopen School District is providing at H.O. Brittingham, soon it will be homeless once again as the district moves forward with plans to build new elementary schools. While the club fully supports the great job the district does in educating children and supports its building efforts, this means the club will be forced to re-locate.

The club appreciates the opportunity the city recently provided at a council meeting to share its vision for providing the city with a first class park and soccer facility. The club trusts that it was successful in showing you not only its vision, but also its passion for this new facility and how it will enhance the city of Lewes. The club is certain it can bring the city an asset that will not only bring soccer to Lewes, but also provide countless other opportunities for recreation, exercise, and education.

As shown during the presentation, the Club’s plan completely avoids impact on the historical sites identified on the property and allows room for the City or other groups to install amenities such as walking trails with historical and natural markers so that residents and visitors will be able to use the city’s open space to access the city’s history and rich natural features.

Utilization of this land as a community park with athletic fields will preserve the open space, historical sites and natural features for generations to come, while providing the residents of the city of Lewes with opportunities to access and enjoy the city’s open space. Please partner with the Henlopen Soccer Club and allow it to call the city of Lewes home.

The Henlopen Soccer Club board, parents, children and sponsors