Introduction

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) through Century Engineering, as the prime consultant engaged Nadi Group to spearhead the master planning and land development strategy for five key State Park Campgrounds across the state of Delaware: Trap Pond, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, Cape Henlopen, and the Delaware Seashore/Indian River Marina. This initiative represents a comprehensive effort to enhance recreational offerings and upgrade infrastructure while aligning with sustainable planning practices and community needs across the state's cherished public lands.

Project Summary

Each of the five state parks presented distinct recreational opportunities and development potential. Nadi Group's approach began with extensive site investigations and consultations, including field visits, drone-based documentation, and a regulatory review of county and state campground ordinances. These foundational insights informed a park-by-park strategy to update and expand the parks’ camping, glamping, and cabin amenities.

At Trap Pond, plans include redesigning multiple loops, introducing park model ‘Camper Cabins,’ and upgrading other loops, and proposing a full-service cabin complex. Killens Pond will see layout improvements for a new dump station, dock placement guidance, and possible campground expansion. Lums Pond will benefit from 30 new pull-thru sites and recommendations for modernized bathhouses. At Cape Henlopen, the focus is on upgraded cabins and new youth camping areas. Finally, Delaware Seashore/Indian River Marina includes a comprehensive vision for cottage expansion and the redesign of the South Campground.

Each master plan included site-specific arrangements for back-in, pull-in, and pull-thru campsites, recreational facilities, clubhouse areas, and communal amenities tailored to each park's context.

Our Role

Nadi Group executed this project through a structured, phased methodology. Beginning with immersive site visits, the team evaluated natural, infrastructural, and regulatory contexts at each park. From these visits, they developed bubble diagrams and land-use frameworks for each location, coordinating closely with DNREC, engineering consultants, and park officials to ensure alignment with public goals and feasibility.

This was followed by the creation of detailed conceptual master plans, each integrating natural site assets with guest amenities. The plans emphasized recreational quality, circulation efficiency, and user comfort, while setting the stage for long-term investment. This effort concluded with final deliverables tailored to support preliminary civil design and capital planning—laying a foundation for high-impact park improvements across Delaware’s treasured landscapes.

‍