LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Out and About in Delaware's State Parks |
by Steven Schilly |
Open to all...but rules are rules! Most people who live, work or visit in Rehoboth Beach are familiar with Delaware's coastal state parks and the important role they play in the resort community. With Cape Henlopen to the north and Delaware Seashore to the south, Rehoboth lies "sandwiched" between thousands of acres of public open space and miles of sandy beaches that are an alternative to the often-crowded conditions found in the coastal resorts. The Division of Parks and Recreation recognizes the important role its facilities serve and endeavors to provide outstanding recreational opportunities to everyone, residents and visitors alike. Over the years, I have watched with great interest as the resort area has grown and changed. My interest has been two-fold. In my various positions within the Delaware State Parks System, I have had to be sensitive to resort issues that impact our facilities. As a gay male, I have had a personal interest as well. It has been gratifying to see the steady evolution of the resort area into a more diversified and accepting environment. I believe CAMP Rehoboth has played a key role in facilitating those changes. By encouraging open dialogue between individuals, they have helped to create a more positive environment for everyone. Recently, I have found myself serving in a similar role for the parks. Having "come out" in my workplace in the past year, I now find myself actively involved with park issues that have a connection to the gay community. CAMP Rehoboth is allowing me to address those issues in this and future editions, for which the Division and I are very grateful. One of the most pressing concerns is the on-going enforcement problem involving individuals, almost exclusively males, who are "cruising" the parking areas and ultimately participating in sexual activity on site. This is nothing new, nor is it isolated to the beach parks. However, it has begun to occur with a disturbing frequency at several sites. Obviously, this situation is not acceptable. Public nudity and indecent behavior are inappropriate and illegal and will not be tolerated. It is Division policy that any individualmale or female, straight or gaywill be arrested if they are found to be involved in such activities in the parks. Unfortunately, this type of enforcement work requires surveillance of problem areas. 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 get involved in illegal activities. With the assistance of CAMP Rehoboth, we hope to enlist the help of the gay community in dealing with this issue. When the Division was faced with a similar situation 12 years ago, many people interpreted the actions of the rangers to be "targeting" the gay community. That wasn't the case. Then, as now, the rangers focused enforcement on individuals involved in the illegal behaviors. We don't make any apologies for that. The gay community has a stake in this as well. The type of activity going on at these areas does nothing but perpetuate old stereotypes. The inappropriate actions of a few individuals can give our entire community a bad name. We hope you will understand and support our efforts. For the past 21 years, it has been a real privilege for me to work for Delaware State Parks. I am grateful for the open and accepting work environment that has allowed me to understand myself and to ultimately "come out." I am proud to work for an organization that supports and appreciates diversity among its staff and visitors. I hope in future articles to share more information about the parks, from the new parking lot planned for Gordons Pond to opportunities to kayak or canoe on some of the state's most spectacular waters. For information, visit the state parks website at www.destateparks.com. If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, e-mail me at sschilly@state.de.us. Stephen Shilly is Park Operations Administra-tor, Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 02, March 8, 2002. |