Years ago, Holts Landing State Park was a vibrant park with a beach on the Indian River, but it had fallen into disrepair. In October 2014 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between DNREC’s Parks Division, the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation and IBF creating the Friends of Holts Landing State Park. As a leader of the Friends, IBF Board member Chuck Schonder has been instrumental in much of the work and improvements that have taken place at the park over the years:
Second Saturday Trail Days — In 2015 the Friends launched Second Saturday Trail Days (October through May) during which trails were reconfigured with the assistance of DNREC officials to account for sea level rise over the next 20 years. Significant improvements and additions to the trails continue to be made. In addition to trail work, the Friends helped oversee the construction of a boardwalk through the marsh leading to additional views of the Indian River Bay.
Summer Concerts – A schedule of concerts with many local performers is held each summer at Holts. The Friends oversee the events, which are well attended by the community. The concerts, with appropriate social distancing, were held in the summer of 2020. Most recently, the 2021 Summer Concerts in the Park set record attendance.
Children’s Playground – In March 2019, a new playground was installed with most of the financial support for the project coming from Senator Gerald Hocker and Representative Ron Grey’s discretionary state funds.
New Boat Ramp, Reconstruction of Parking Lots – At a July 2019 concert event, Senator Hocker and Representative Grey were recognized by the Friends for funding for numerous improvements at the Park including the playground, new parking lot and boat ramp and trail improvements.
The IBF Board and members continue to support Holts Landing through the Friends group.