Childs Park set to reopen Oct. 2

On Sept. 30, National Park Service officials announced that George W. Childs Park in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will re-open to the public at noon on Oct. 2, following a short opening ceremony. The beloved park, which includes three waterfalls, a hiking trail and several observation areas, has been closed since 2018 when back-to-back winter storms destroyed much of the site.

“Though there have been a few changes to the site, like the improved and expanded accessible portion of the trail and the removal and restoration of a short section of trail that was too damaged to repair, returning visitors and first-time visitors alike will be greeted by a rustic trail system with perfectly situated bridges and viewing platforms that highlight three scenic waterfalls and the natural environment in which they are located, similar to what was originally envisioned by George W. Childs over a century ago,” said Park Superintendent Doyle Sapp in an announcement.

According to NPS, after storms shuttered the park in March 2018, staff worked to conduct assessments, secure funding for each phase of work, hire contractors, develop construction and engineering plans, and conduct studies to ensure that all planned work complied with laws, policies, and “best management practices” for protecting the park’s natural and historic features.

On-site work was completed in several phases by contractors, the park’s professional trail crew, and the park’s volunteer Trail Stewards who helped in the initial site clearing work.

Crews worked to clear the area of downed trees. However, some of them were left as is, as long as they were found to not present a hazard to the public, “to help provide habitat, cover, and contribute to the natural processes of the hemlock ravine ecosystem,” NPS explained.

NPS further shared that over 2,000 feet of accessible trail has been regraded and resurfaced, including the addition of a new 950-foot section that leads to a historic well pump structure. Four damaged trail bridges over Dingmans Creek were repaired and two bog bridges over wet areas along the trail were removed and replaced. A short section of trail on the south side of Dingmans Creek between Fulmer and Deer Leap Falls was removed and the area was restored to natural conditions. Railings, posts, and fencing were replaced as needed. Two dry laid stone retaining walls and one wooden retaining wall were rebuilt or constructed. Substantial repairs were also made to three observation platforms. Stairs, stairways, stair treads, and landings were repaired or replaced as needed, including construction of more than 60 box crib steps and treads. And new benches and signs have been installed.

NPS said additional restoration work continues outside the site, downstream from Deer Leap Falls and the lowermost pool.

In celebration of its reopening, NPS also shared a bit of how the park was formed: Childs Park first opened to the public in 1892 under the ownership of Philadelphia philanthropist and newspaperman George William Childs and his widow Emma Bouvier Childs. In 1912, Emma Childs deeded the 53-acre property to the state, which then made improvements and added certain amenities for public use. Between 1933 and 1936, Company 1399 of the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed new buildings, picnic sites, fireplaces, wells, latrines, parking spaces, a new entrance, and trail improvements. In 1955, Childs Park was expanded to its current size of 155 acres when the Commonwealth purchased an adjoining 102-acre tract. In 1983, the site was transferred to the National Park Service.

“Now that this special place will be available to the pubic again, the National Park Service is asking everyone who visits to help take care of it by following the rules, keeping it clean, and practicing Leave No Trace principles like staying on designated trails, visiting in small groups, and disposing of all trash and waste properly,” Sapp added.

After Oct. 2, Childs Park will be open for hiking and nature observation from dawn to dusk daily through the fall. Swimming, jumping from or climbing on rocks and waterfalls, pets, and picnicking are prohibited at the site. A list of designated swimming and picnic areas is available on the park website. Park rangers remind visitors to be patient, since parking is limited and the site is expected to be very busy, especially on weekends.

For more information, visit nps.gov/dewa.