DNREC Breaks Ground on Discovery Center for White Clay Creek State Park

The new Discovery Center at White Clay Creek State Park, expected to be completed by DNREC in 2028, will include
educational programming, exhibits, classrooms, a new parking lot, restrooms and staff offices. /Delaware DNREC illustration

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is building the Creekside Discovery Center and replacing a nearby bridge at White Clay Creek State Park to meet the growing demand for more environmental education programs and the need for classroom space for school groups, summer camps and activities.

"We are excited to add another great amenity to an already incredible state park," said Matt Ritter, director of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. "These projects were a priority in the White Clay Creek Master Plan, and we are grateful to the many people who advocated for these improvements, especially our Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, the Delaware General Assembly and our Congressional delegation."

The new, two-story Discovery Center was the top priority in the White Clay Creek Master Plan, a five-year improvement proposal developed in 2021. The new Discovery Center will be located in the parking lot of the current nature center and will include exhibits, staff offices, public restrooms, two classrooms and a new parking lot. The nearby Chambers House will continue to be an interpretive center to focus on the rich history of the area.

The Discovery Center, with a budget of about $13.4 million for construction, design and exhibit installation, will open in summer 2028. The construction contract was awarded to Commonwealth Construction Company, Inc., and work is expected to start later this month.

The Tweed's Mill Bridge, a key access point for visitors and staff to the center, programs and hiking, will be replaced with a concrete structure to improve resilience. The cost for design and construction of the bridge is about $1.5 million, and it is expected to open in six months. The construction contract was awarded to A-Del Construction.

The new projects were funded through Bond Bills approved by the General Assembly and supplemented with federal Land and Water Conservation funds. Funding for the bridge replacement was supplemented with money from the federal Recreational Trails Program.

Public vehicle access to this area will be closed during construction. Trail access will be closed at times during working hours for safety and to keep the project on schedule, but trail access should be open evenings and weekends. Information will be posted on the destateparks.com website and on White Clay Creek State Park social media throughout the project.

For more information about White Clay Creek State Park, visit destateparks.com/park/white-clay-creek/.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state's natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Celebrating A Milestone Year
Delaware State Parks is celebrating 75 years of outdoor adventures and lasting memories. What began in 1951 with three parks has grown into a system that now includes 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina - together protecting more than 27,000 acres. In 2026, the division will honor the people, parks and partners who built this legacy and invite visitors to join in inspiring exploration, discovery and a deeper connection to the outdoors for generations to come.

Media contacts: Beth Kuhles-Heiney, [email protected]; Michael Globetti, [email protected]