Proposed Restaurant at Cape Henlopen State Park on Hold
A proposed restaurant for Cape Henlopen State Park is on hold. At a public meeting about the project Monday, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens announced that DNREC and La Vida Hospitality have mutually decided not to move forward at this time with a proposed restaurant at the park. DNREC will conduct additional visitor surveys and site reviews prior to future requests for proposals for visitor enhancements to the area.
Additional information from the DNREC release:
La Vida Hospitality LLC was awarded a publicly bid one-year contract by DNREC in April to manage the existing main beach food concession while both parties conducted due diligence on La Vida鈥檚 proposal to extend the contract and build a restaurant at the park鈥檚 main beach area. DNREC determined that the necessary environmental review and contract negotiation could not be completed by the contract鈥檚 expiration date of Dec. 31 and with La Vida Hospitality LLC in agreement, has chosen to the end the project.
The proposed restaurant came from a request for proposal (RFP) to manage the park鈥檚 main beach area concession, which includes food service and amenity rentals such as chairs and umbrellas, with the potential for added services such as a restaurant. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation initiated an extensive review process for the proposed project in May, which included review of the natural and cultural resources, a public comment period and internal contract evaluation.
The division will continue to gather data regarding natural and cultural resources in the area and to seek public input regarding the levels of service provided at the site as it proceeds with planning improvements to amenities at the main beach area, including the existing Sen. David B. McBride Bathhouse and the north day-use beach crossing.
Needed improvements for Cape Henlopen State Park include expanded food service, ADA-accessible restrooms and beach crossings. Location, hours of operation, traffic, lighting and noise restrictions will remain key considerations with any improvements.
