Current David B. McBride Bath house

Early plans show a new location for a new bath house.

LEWES, Del. - The plans for a new bathhouse at Cape Henlopen State Park have raised issues with local environmental groups, but DNREC is working to assuage concerns. 

Early stage plans shows the new bathhouse would be built on a dune just a few hundred feet north of the existing David B. McBride bathhouse.

DNREC early stage planning for the new bath house

Early stage planning shows the new bath house would be built on a dune just a few hundred feet north of the existing David B. McBride bath house. (DNREC)

Ray Bivens, director of Delaware’s Division of Parks and Recreation, said the department is following official guidance.

“The last master plan was done in 1999, and it actually talked about additional bathrooms on the north side.” said Bivens.

Sally Boswell, a member of the Preserve Our Parks coalition, said relocating the bathhouse just does not make sense.

“It takes up a lot of space here on the dune. We are convinced that a well-designed plan could incorporate all the needs for this bathhouse right here at the existing location.” said Boswell.

Bivens tells CoastTV the current bathhouse does not have adequate changing rooms for lifeguards, enough bathrooms for visitors, or space in general. He says any plans for the bathhouse can be adjusted if environmental concerns become apparent.

Locations

Managing Editor, Broadcast Journalist

Brandon started at CoastTV News in June 2024, anchoring the weekend newscasts for more than a year and reporting during the week. In May 2026, Brandon transitioned into the managing editor and 11 p.m. anchor positions.

Recommended for you