Debate over parks and recreation

There has been a public outcry for expanded parks and recreation opportunities as Sussex County officials write a new comprehensive land-use plan.

There appears to be a consensus among county council and planning and zoning commission members that a full-tilt jump into a parks and recreation department is not in the cards. However, council recently gave a $1.5 million loan to the Sussex Sports Center Foundation to build a complex in Georgetown. It was not an easy sell.

A call for county involvement in parks and recreation has fallen on deaf ears for years.

I appeared at a council meeting more than 20 years ago with friend and colleague at the time Ron Breeding, former City of Seaford Parks and Recreation Department director and later assistant city manager, to make a presentation about the formation of a county parks and recreation program. Over the years, others have done the same.

County council has been adamant not to create a new bureaucracy and spend more taxpayers' money. Instead, council has donated thousands of dollars over the years to support sports programs through its grants programs.

The county does have a park in Woodland outside of Seaford that was actually purchased to place spoils during a Nanticoke River dredging project. Officials are looking for an organization to turn it over to as they did with the donation of the James Farm property to the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays near Ocean View.

I understand the concern that once government gets into something, costs seem to escalate. However, the county could step into the parks and recreation world in a small way and test the waters. Perhaps building a canoe and kayak launch or a small trail could be a safe start. Providing funds for youth and adult sports tournaments – including pickleball – helps promote sports in the county. That's another way to get into the sports world and not spend a lot of money.

In my opinion, Sussex County does need to step up its game when it comes to parks and recreation. The state provides great state parks and trails, municipalities and clubs provide great youth and adult sports programs and private entities do more than their fair share. Now it's time for the county to join in. We are blessed to be surrounded by natural beauty in Sussex – we need more opportunities to enjoy it.