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SCR144 • 2025

RECOGNIZING THE DELAWARE STATE PARKS SYSTEM ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY.

RECOGNIZING THE DELAWARE STATE PARKS SYSTEM ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Huxtable
Last action
2026-03-12
Official status
Passed 3/12/26
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify that Delaware's parks are 'the best' but mentions they have received Gold Medal Awards, which recognize them as among the best.

Recognizing Delaware's State Parks at 75

This resolution celebrates and honors the Delaware State Parks system on its 75th anniversary.

What This Bill Does

  • Celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Delaware State Parks system, which started in 1951.
  • Acknowledges the growth from three initial parks to a network including 17 state parks and 22 nature preserves.
  • Highlights contributions by park staff, volunteers, and Friends of Parks organizations.
  • Notes that Delaware's parks have won national awards for being among the best in the country.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The people who work at Delaware State Parks
  • Volunteers and supporters of Delaware State Parks

Terms To Know

Gold Medal Award
A national award given to the best state park system in the United States.
Friends of Parks organizations
Groups that support and help with Delaware State Parks through volunteering and other activities.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This resolution does not change any laws or provide funding; it is a statement of recognition.
  • The exact events planned for the anniversary are not detailed in this resolution.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-12 Delaware General Assembly

    Introduced in Senate

  2. 2026-03-12 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

  3. 2026-03-12 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed In House by Voice Vote

Official Summary Text

RECOGNIZING THE DELAWARE STATE PARKS SYSTEM ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY.
This Resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of the Delaware State Parks system, established in 1951.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Huxtable & Rep. Harris

Sens. Cruce, Hansen, Hocker, Lockman, Paradee, Sokola, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Dukes, Gray, Griffith, Heffernan, K. Johnson, S. Moore, Morrison, Osienski, Ross Levin, D. Short, Snyder-Hall, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 144

RECOGNIZING THE DELAWARE STATE PARKS SYSTEM ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, the Delaware State Parks system was formally established in 1951 with the authorization of 3 parks for the enjoyment of residents of Delaware and visitors alike: Trap Pond State Park, Fort Delaware State Park, and Brandywine Springs State Park; and

WHEREAS, Delaware State Parks has since grown to include 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo, and the Indian River Marina; and

WHEREAS, Delaware State Parks now encompass more than 27,000 acres of protected lands in Delaware and welcome approximately 8 million visitors each year; and

WHEREAS, park facilities are supported by a year-round team of committed employees and many hundreds of seasonal staff members, along with volunteers and Friends of Parks organizations who contributed more than 111,000 hours of service in 2025 alone; and

WHEREAS, the parks system has twice been awarded the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal, recognizing Delaware State Parks as the best state park system in the United States, and is the only state parks system to be certified by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies; and

WHEREAS, throughout 2026, the Delaware State Parks system will mark its milestone 75th year with a series of celebratory and commemorative activities that reflect the diversity and impact of the park system; to include outdoor recreation programs, educational and interpretive experiences, conservation and stewardship efforts, community service opportunities, cultural and historical reflections, partner-driven events, and moments of recognition for staff, volunteers, and supporters.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly hereby recognizes the Delaware State Parks system in its 75th anniversary year and honors the people, parks, and partners who built this legacy, while inviting visitors to explore, discover, and deepen their connection to the outdoors, today and for generations to come.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of the Delaware State Parks system, established in 1951.

Author: Senator Huxtable