LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Out and About in Delaware's State Parks |
by Stephen Schilly |
Commitment to Quality Service The summer season always arrives with a hectic flurry of activity in the Division of Parks and Recreation. The change in season brings large numbers of visitors to our facilities in search of sun and fun. In fact, over the course of the summer, several million people will visit Delaware's 14 state parks. A large percentage of those visitors will be to one or more of our "beach" parks. Meeting the needs of these visitors becomes a top priority. To achieve that goal, the Division hires and trains over 350 seasonal employees statewide. This dedicated corps of staff becomes the heart and soul of our organization. It is their hard work and commitment to quality service that keeps the park system running successfully throughout the busy summer season. We are fortunate to have these individuals as part of our park "family" and appreciate the amazing work they do on behalf of all our visitors! To Serve and Protect Since I first became actively involved with Camp Rehoboth, I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of exciting activities and projects. For the past two summers, I was invited by Steve Elkins to be part of the team that conducted "diversity" or "sensitivity" training for seasonal patrol officers for Rehoboth Beach. The purpose of the training was to open a dialogue with these young men and women who have the challenging job of providing for the safety and protection of visitors to the resort community. The discussions gave participants the opportunity to express ideas or concerns in an open, accepting forum with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the diverse populations that visit or live in Rehoboth. As a participant and observer, I was very impressed with the effectiveness of the training. The patrol officers actively participated in the discussions asking numerous questions and sharing their experiences. They demonstrated an obvious commitment to doing a good job and understanding the people they serve and protect. They deserve our support and encouragement as they meet the many challenges ahead of them! To Share and Share Alike For the past two summers, Steve Elkins and Fay Jacobs provided the same diversity training for seasonal patrol officers at our beach parks. Just as in Rehoboth, the training proved to be a valuable tool in promoting a more positive and accepting atmosphere for both staff and visitors. This was especially evident last year at Gordons Pond where we experienced far fewer problems than in the past. This certainly created a high expectancy for even greater success this year. Unfortunately, the current season has started off with a few problems that have been a considerable challenge for our well trained enforcement staff. The problem isn't between park staff and visitors...instead, the issue is between members of the gay community! So, exactly what is the problem? Park patrol officers have recently reported a series of incidents at Gordons Pond involving conflicts between some of the men and women. It seems an issue of territoriality has arisen. Certain men have taken offense to women moving in to "their" side of the beach. But it just so happens that "their" side of the beach is the only area where leashed pets are allowed. Arguments ensued. For those who don't frequent Gordons Pond, the demographics on the beach can be very interesting. Women and families tend to use the lifeguarded beach located between the jetties. Men tend to use the beach beyond the northern jetty. While this choosing of sides happened casually and over time, the truth is that the entire area is a public beach and is open to all visitors provided they comply with park rules and regulations. It just so happens that there is a state law that prohibits dogs in lifeguarded areas. While dogs are not permitted between the jetties, they are welcome beyond the northern jetty provided they are on a leash and under control at all times. Therefore, women wishing to bring their dogs to the beach have no alternative. They must take their pet beyond the northern jetty into what is perceived by some as the "men's" beach. While this shouldn't be a big deal, and isn't to most visitors, apparently it is an issue for some people. Arguments have arisen as a result of dog owners allowing their pets off the leash. This is a clear violation of the park rules and an intrusion to other park visitors. In several cases, individuals have taken it upon themselves to attempt to get pet owners to comply with the rules. Unfortunately, in the course of the discussions, some very unfortunate things have been said. Park patrol officers investigating the incidents were surprised at the intolerance exhibited by certain individuals within the gay community. One officer commented "Everybody just wants the same thing...equality. Why would they be downing each other in this way?" I had to admit the officer was right. It seems ironic that members of a community that has fought so long and hard for equality could exhibit such ignorance and intolerance. It just shows we still have a long way to go. Where Do We Go From Here? So what is the answer to this problem? The park and its beaches are open to all visitors. There is no "my beach" or "our beach." The beach belongs to everyone. But, as I have said many times before, rules are rules. Visitors using our facilities are expected to comply. Regarding the issue of pets, State law prohibits pets on swimming or sunbathing beaches May 1 through Sept. 30. The Division defines prohibited areas as designated swimming beaches, surfing and sailboarding areas. Pets are allowed in surf fishing areas but must be on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times. Pets are not permitted off the leash to allow them to run free on the beach or in the surf. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. New signs explaining these rules will be posted at Gordons Pond. Pet owners who fail to comply can expect to be fined. It is a privilege, not a right, to bring your pet to the beach. It is the responsibility of owners to respect other visitors around them and to keep their pet under control. If everybody does their part, there is no reason we cannot all share the beach in peace. With so much of summer still ahead of us, I hope we can all look forward to a sunny, pleasant season. No matter which beach you choose, let's celebrate our differences with tolerance and understanding. Check out the state parks website at www.destateparks.com for information, suggestions and directions. And if you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, please e-mail me at stephen.schilly@state.de.us. Or look for me at the beach! Nature's Best Bets If you are looking for fun summer activities, there are a number of weekly "best bets" at the Cape Henlopen Nature Center. These weekly programs run through September 1. Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trip Wed Sun, 10 a.m. Paddle a sit-on-top kayak from the fishing pier around the Delaware Breakwater and Lewes Harbor. Participants will be lead by experienced naturalists who will provide basic instruction before heading out for a two-hour paddling excursion. These trips are designed for beginner paddlers, but can be strenuous depending on wind and water conditions. All equipment is provided. Bring plenty of drinking water and be prepared to get wet. Limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration is required by calling the nature center. Paddlers must be 16 years or older. $25 per person. Mosquitoes: West Nile & Vector Diseases Tue, July 22 & Aug 12, 1 p.m. Join an educator from DNREC's Mosquito Control Program to discern the facts from the fiction surrounding mosquitoes and the measures to control them. Each month, we will cover a different topic to provide information concerning the preventative measures you can take to avoid these pesky insects. Possible topics include: control measures in Delaware, West Nile virus and its effect on wildlife, and the Open Water Marsh Management Program in Sussex County. Battery Tour Sun, 1 p.m. Learn about Fort Miles' role during World War II and take a guided tour of Battery Smith, which housed 16-inch guns. Pre-registration is required. $3 per person. Ghosts At The Beach Thur in July, 8:30 p.m.; Thurs in Aug, 8 p.m. Ghost crabs, naturally! Join us for a walk along the bay beach in search of these elusive crustaceans of the night. Watch them as they scurry from side to side in search of their evening meal. Bring a flashlight. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 20 people. For more information on these and other park programs, contact the Seaside Nature Center at 302-645-6852. Stephen Schilly is Park Operations Administrator Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. He may be reached at sschilly@state.de.us. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 13 No. 9 July 11, 2003. |