Gordons Pond dunes are now easier to cross

Thanks in large part to the volunteer group Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, the dune crossings at Gordons Pond have had beach access mats installed.

Friends members Sue Gaggiotti and Emilie Paternoster began the project in fall 2019. They wanted to know about initiatives that could be undertaken to make Gordons Pond a more accessible and safe experience for all visitors.

“Top of the list was making the dune crossings easier to navigate for families, seniors and persons with disabilities,” said Paternoster, in an email June 9. 

Paternoster said it took roughly 18 months to find private funding for the three 150-foot mats that were needed. The friends group also paid for a fourth mat to be installed.

At press time, Apple Electric, Harry Caswell Inc., Jack Lingo Realtor and Schell Brothers had made donations to the effort.

Paternoster said the friends also have a goal of putting these mats on the dunes at the main beach in Cape Henlopen State Park. She encouraged local community members and users of these beaches to donate to the friends group at friendsofcapehenlopen.org.

“These funds will assure that the mats can be sustained into the future,” said Paternoster, adding that donors should be sure to add “blue mobi mats” in the instructions section on the donation page.

For more information, email FOCHSP@gmail.com or call 302-858-6127.