George W. Childs Park set to re-open at noon on October 2

9/30/24— National Park Service officials announced today that George W. Childs Park (Childs Park), in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, will re-open to the public at noon on October 2, 2024, following a short opening ceremony.  The popular destination which boasts 3 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 3 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 Doyle Sapp, Park Superintendent.

Following the March 2018 storms and prior to and during construction, a great deal of work was accomplished behind the scenes as staff worked to conduct assessments, secure funding for each phase of work, line up contractors, develop construction and engineering plans, conduct necessary studies, and to ensure that all planned work complies with laws, policies, and best management practices for protecting the natural and historic features and processes at this site.

On-site work was completed in several phases by contractors and the park’s professional trail crew with some early assistance with site clearing from the park’s volunteer Trail Stewards.

• Selection and removal of downed trees from the site was a complex process that involved teams of highly trained sawyers and arborists. Downed trees that do not present a hazard to the public or to infrastructure remain on site where they provide habitat, cover, and contribute to the natural processes of the hemlock ravine ecosystem. 
• Over 2000 feet of Accessible trail has been regraded and resurfaced, including the addition of a new 950-foot section that leads to the historic well pump structure. 
• Four damaged trail bridges over Dingmans Creek were repaired and 2 bog bridges over wet areas along the trail were removed and replaced.
• A short section of trail that sustained significant damage 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 throughout the site.
• Two dry laid stone retaining walls and one wooden retaining wall were rebuilt or constructed.
• Substantial repairs were made to three observation platforms.
• Stairs, stairways, stair treads, and landings were repaired or replaced as needed throughout the site including construction of more than 60 box crib steps and treads. 
• New benches and signs have been installed.
• A large quantity of debris from the storms and from demolition and construction activities was removed from the site.
• Additional restoration work continues outside the site, downstream from Deer Leap Falls and the lowermost pool.

Childs Park History: Childs Park has been a popular destination for both local and out-of-town visitors since it first opened to the public in 1892 under the ownership of Philadelphia philanthropist and newspaperman George William Childs and subsequently his widow Emma Bouvier Childs.  In 1912, Emma Childs deeded the 53-acre property to the Commonwealth of PA.  As a state park, improvements were made, and amenities were added. Between 1933 and 1936, a substantial amount of work was done by Company 1399 of the Civilian Conservation Corps which was stationed nearby including the construction of 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- 155 acres- when the Commonwealth of PA purchased an adjoining 102-acre tract.  In 1983, the site was transferred to the National Park Service and continues to be a favorite destination for many.

“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.

Childs Park is 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 those who are looking forward to visiting Childs Park to pack their patience since parking is limited and the site is expected to be very busy, especially on weekends. 

For more information on George W. Childs Park and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, visit our website at www.nps.gov/dewa, follow us on social media at www.Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS and www.Instagram.com/DelWaterGapNPS, or call (570) 426-2452 weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm.    

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About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 431 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

West Nile Virus Detected at Marcel Lakes, Delaware Township


Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Vector Management has reported 1 mosquito sample testing positive for West Nile Virus in Delaware Township. Additional mosquito surveillance, sampling, and larval control are being performed as necessary by County Mosquito-borne Disease Control staff.

We recommend residents take time to inspect their yards and take a few minutes to clean up and dump out any sources of stagnant water. Mosquito surveillance indicates that many common mosquito species in residential areas come from artificial containers left behind by humans. Artificial containers such as tires, boats/kayaks, buckets, child toys, tarps, and even swimming pools are preferred by mosquitoes because natural predators that prey on mosquito larvae are not present. During periods of drought, these containers continue to hold water and produce mosquitoes. One bucket or tire in someone’s backyard can produce hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes in a year. Performing a community-wide cleanup will also help reduce mosquito concerns and disease risk. Storm-water management systems can sometimes contribute to mosquito issues and are also routinely monitored by our staff.  

May through October, mosquitoes can complete their life cycle within five to seven days. Residents should use repellents when spending time outside, a variety of which could be found at most home and garden centers. For individuals who don’t like to use repellents, we recommend taking an electric fan outside with you. Mosquitoes are weak flyers and the fan will help keep them away.  As a last resort, residents can purchase insecticides from garden and hardware stores to spray in their yard but they need to be sure to follow the label instructions.

Residents can contact The Monroe County Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program by calling 570-517-3416 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Keep in mind that the Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program aims to educate residents about the importance of mosquito larvae habitat reduction on their properties. Individuals may need to report neighbor complaints to their local municipality to rectify the concern. 

Lincoln Re-Enactor Heightens The Columns' Civil War Tribute
By Wayne Witkowski
The Pike County Dispatch

MILFORD -- He had a speaking engagement on April 14 at the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society and another one this past Saturday with the Pike County Historical Society at The Columns.
And on Tuesday this week, he made a cameo appearance for host Jimmy Fallon's 10th anniversary celebration on the Tonight Show.

Lou Del Bianco of Port Chester, N.Y. has portrayed Abraham Lincoln for many thousands of school kids and history buffs for some 30 years. And he delivered a convincing performance of the famed Gettysburg Address as re-enactors of the Pennsylvania 142nd Regiment, which staged a Civil War era encampment, and the New York Zouave Regiment, a brigade of men wearing red uniforms who had served as firefighters before enlisting in the Northern army during the Civil War from 1861-65, stood at attention.
DelBianco captured Lincoln's physical characteristics all the way to his 6-feet, 4-inch height, the same as his subject, with the gaunt, bearded face and deep, measured tones in his voice. Wearing the characteristic long dark coat and big to;p hat, he delivered the relative brief historic address of Nov. 19, 1863 that drew cheers from the gathering toward the end as he said, "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
"He got old on the job," quipped DelBianco afterward

"He really knows a lot about Lincoln but he didn't know the Lincoln flag was at The Columns," said Tim Singleton, head of the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society, referring to the flag draped around him when he was assassinated..
DelBianco actually evolved from professional actor to re-enactor in his career.
"My height worked against me" he said as it held him back at times from getting work in the theatrical field. "Then I realized I am the same height as Lincoln," a historical figure that always intrigued him.
So he immersed himself in the historical legend and lore of the 16th president of the U.S. and the tallest ever during a time when people were generally shorter in height than now, although George Washington, at 6-1, was not far behind in stature.
When he was asked about Americans regarding Lincoln as the greatest president, he replied with a smile, "He ended slavery and united the country. What's better than that?"