LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Out and About in Delaware's State Parks |
by Stephen Schilly |
Give Me a Break! The recent arrival of Memorial Day came as quite a relief. With the unofficial start of summer, I decided to stage something of a strike at home and declared a moratoriumat least for the holiday weekendto more outdoor projects. Normally, I am more than willing to take on just about any job around the yard. In fact, there is little else that relaxes me like tending our gardens and woods. But projects this spring have more than tested my dedication. Actually, that's not exactly true. It would be more accurate to say my partner, Bob, has tested my dedication to outdoor work! He has never been fond of outdoor chores. In fact, when we built our home, he made it very clear the outside was my domain. That was fine by me until Bob started to come up with projects to enhance the beauty and aesthetic value of the property. He really can't help it. His creative nature constantly demands that he re-imagine the landscape to perfect his overall vision. Unfortunately, that means things are in a constant state of flux. It's been a challenge for me to get used to the notion that things that seem right to my eye may well be the next project on his list! In the past month alone projects included edging and mulching all flower beds, lining our backyard trail with stone, and the installation of a third pond. After nine hours I had completed the entire project. Everything was done including fish and landscaping. As usual, I had to admit Bob's creative eye was dead-on. It looked great! However, my exhaustion had finally reached its limit. I'd had enough! I declared an immediate moratorium on projects. Bob knew I was serious and backed off awhile. I enjoyed a few glorious, restful weekends. I even had the chance to get some sun over the holiday weekend. Amazing! But I think my days off are numbered. The ideas are starting to flow out of Bob again. I'm starting to hear things like "a bridge and a teahouse." I think I'm in trouble. This could prove to be a very long and tiring summer!
Rules Are Rules Among the most difficult topics to address in this column are enforcement-related issues. After all, who likes to be told what they "can" or "cannot" do when visiting a park? People come to parks to get away from the problems of everyday life. They do not want to be faced with restrictions that limit their ability to enjoy the outdoors. But rules and regulations are necessary to protect the natural resources and the visitors who come to recreate there. When I started writing this column in Letters, the first subject I addressed was an ongoing enforcement problem involving individuals, almost exclusively males, who were cruising select parking areas and ultimately participating in sexual activity in the parks. My goal in addressing the issue was to inform readers of our Division's policies concerning this subject. As a gay male and employee of the Division, it was important to me that the community understood that public nudity and indecent behavior are illegal and would not be tolerated. I stated the Division's policy that any individualmale or female, straight or gaywould be arrested if they were found to be involved in such activities in the parks. While these articles seemed to help, the problem never really went away. In the past few weeks, I've had several experiences that indicated that the problems persist. On a recent park visit, I found myself the object of open cruising by several individuals. While some might view the behavior as flattering, it was unwanted, over-obvious, and entirely inappropriate. In one case, I found myself trailed for quite a distance by one particular person. I was only left alone once I identified myself as a park employee. In another instance, I spotted a person illegally off the trail who motioned for me to join him. I identified myself and advised the individual of the various Rules and Regulations he was currently violating. As if these incidents weren't enough, Bob and I ran into an acquaintance while eating lunch in Rehoboth. In the course of our conversation, he stated, "Me and the boys want to thank you for the new park facility," and proceeded to describe in more graphic detail the activities going on there. Obviously, I find such incidents very discouraging. Our parks are open to everyone, young and old. People should be able to visit our facilities and not expect to be exposed to such behavior! It is very important the community understands the Division will do active enforcement, including surveillance of problem sites, to get this situation under control. It is not our intent to intrude on legitimate visitors. Individuals who visit the parks to meet friends have nothing to worry about as long as they do not become involved in illegal activities. The gay community has a stake in this as well. This type of illegal activity does nothing but perpetuate old stereotypes. The inappropriate actions of a few individuals give our entire community a bad name. I hope you will understand and support our Division's efforts to correct this problem. Nature's Best Bets If you are looking for fun and exciting ways to spend your spare time, why not check out the Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park? The Nature Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provides programs designed for individuals and families. A highlight of any visit is viewing the five 1000-gallon aquariums that feature different aquatic habitats. You'll be glad you took the time to explore this exciting facility. Here are a number of best bets at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park: Who Let the Dolphins Out? Saturdays, 10 a.m. Bottle-nosed dolphins are common summer visitors to the waters off of Cape Henlopen. Join a park naturalist and search for dolphins from land at the Bunker Overlook. Observe and learn about these amazing marine mammals as they travel and feed in the waters off of the Cape. Limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the Nature Center. $1 per person. Sunset Hike Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Hiking amidst a golden dunescape with nighthawks and bob-whites is only the beginning of these peaceful wanderings. Join a park naturalist as you venture to the highest point in the park to view the hues of sunset. Meet at the south end of the ocean bathhouse parking lot. Reptile Talk Thursdays, 2 p.m. Encounter live reptiles while you learn about their interesting and often misunderstood lifestyles. Program is open to the first 50 attendees. $1 per person. Experience the Nocturnal World Fridays, 8 p.m. Embrace the incredible nightlife of Cape Henlopen State Park's flora and fauna. Hear calls of nighthawks, frogs, and possibly view the flight of bats as you witness the behaviors of these night creatures. Meet at the campground amphitheater. For more information on these and other park programs, contact the Seaside Nature Center at 302-645-6852 or check out www.destateparks.com. Stephen Schilly is Park Operations Administrator for the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. He may be reached at stephen.schilly@state.de.us. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14 No. 7 June 18, 2004. |