"Extraordinary"
Although each of the parks in the Delaware State Park system
has its own unique features, Fox Point State Park deserves something more
than "unique" in its description. Perhaps the best word is "extraordinary."
A Window on the River
For more than 20 years, the dream of a park on this ribbon
of land along the Delaware River has been a source of inspiration as well as
frustration for the neighboring communities, now collectively known as Fox
Point. One man's vision of a "window on the river" became a rallying point
for many northern Delawareans. It is an extraordinary event when dreams turn
into reality.
And what a window it is! You can stand at any of the park's
new overlooks and see all the way to Philadelphia looking north and well
beyond the Delaware Memorial Bridge looking south. There just aren't that
many easily accessible places in Delaware where such a spectacular view is
readily available.
But great vistas aren't the only attraction of Fox Point
State Park. There are a number of wonderful educational opportunities as
well.
Reusing the Wasteland
The adaptive reuse of the land upon which this phase of Fox
Point State Park has been developed is a singular achievement. Not only does
the process of remediating a toxic waste site provide an important
educational opportunity, but it also reminds us just how frail our natural
resources can be. This window came too close to being locked and shuttered,
perhaps forever. (Reclaiming a Toxic Waste Site: The Story of Fox
Point State Park)
A Working River
The Delaware River has long been a working river and Fox
Point State Park provides front row seats for watching the river at work.
With the shipping channel a scant hundred yards away, the view of the tugs
and tankers will truly be up close and personal. In addition, the park
features interpretive displays describing the functions of the various
watercraft plying the river.
The river also has historically provided recreational
opportunities. The opening of Fox Point State Park is just the beginning of
reintroducing recreational use to the river.
Fox Point State Park is a place where the entire family can
enjoy a relaxing day strolling, picnicking and just watching the river go
by. Horseshoe pits, a volleyball court and a play area for the kids are some
of the more active pursuits available. Two pavillions can be rented for
larger gatherings.
Fox Point State Park serves as the northern terminus of the
ninety mile long Coastal Heritage Greenway that stretches to Cape
Henlopen State Park. The greenway highlights Delaware's natural, cultural
and recreational diversity. This park is also the eastern-most point of the
Northern Delaware Greenway.
Fox Point State Park is a wonderful addition to the Delaware
State Park system. This window stands open as a testament to visionaries
like the late S. Marston Fox, who conceived and worked toward getting the
land set aside as parkland, and community leaders like the late Tom Snell
who took Mr. Fox's vision and began to convert it into reality.
But this is only the beginning.
There are another 145 acres which are to be developed over time. As other
parts of the park are completed, this extraordinary window on the river will
continue to open wider and wider.
