Molly Murray

The News Journal

A popular and historic wayside picnic pavilion and adjacent parking lot at Redden State Forest has been closed because state forestry officials have been unable to stop persistent crime there including drug use, prostitution and lewd behavior.

The pavilion was designed by William S. Taber, the state's first forester, and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. It is on the Jester Tract at Camp Road and Redden Road, just north of Georgetown.

“We sincerely regret having to close this area to the public. However, we do not believe we can keep the facility open in light of the ongoing illegal activity and resulting concerns about public safety,” said Kyle Hoyd, assistant state forester. “The pavilion and parking lot will now be off-limits indefinitely. Anyone found on the premises will be subject to criminal prosecution for trespassing, in addition to other offenses. We plan to reassess the situation in the future while using this time to make improvements to this historic facility so it might eventually be reopened.”

The pavilion was a landmark when it was built near the Gravelly Branch of the Nanticoke River.

The 1938 volume, Delaware: A Guide to the First State, describes the pavilion as "of log construction with a large stone fireplace and chimney. The end of the fireplace is walled on three sides."

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Hoyd said foresters have been dealing with illegal activity in the area for several years and the situation has grown worse. The outdoor spot is one of several in the state where illegal activities have been an enforcement challenge.

Forestry officials don't have a timeline for reopening the area, but they do plan to renovate the pavilion area and upgrade security.

Redden State Forest totals 12,400 acres and includes a variety of recreational activities from hunting to horseback riding. Three structures in the forest are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The Horse Barn, Ranger’s House, and Redden Forest Lodge.

Those buildings were once part of a hunting lodge used from 1903 to 1919 by executives and guests of the Pennsylvania Railroad. These visitors, who came for the quail hunting in the area, arrived by train at the stop at Redden Station and were transported to the lodge by horse and carriage.

Contact Molly Murray at (302) 463-3334 or mmurray@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @MollyMurraytnj.