No kayak rental this summer for Rehoboth canal dock Friday, June 10, 2022

Contracts for canal dock services delayed in Rehoboth Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Grove Park Canal Dock slated to open June 12 in Rehoboth Friday, June 11, 2021

Rehoboth’s canal dock a fine accomplishment Friday, May 14, 2021

Rehoboth celebrates completion of Grove Park Canal Dock Friday, May 14, 2021

Rehoboth commissioners create parks and recreation code Friday, May 7, 2021

Rehoboth begins to make rules for new canal dock Friday, February 26, 2021

Prone paddling for Grove Park canal dock Saturday, August 15, 2020

Rehoboth’s canal access dock taking shape Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Carter training for 25-mile prone paddle to benefit Grove Park dock Friday, July 24, 2020

After roughly nine months of work and a decade of planning, the new canal access dock in Rehoboth Beach is all but complete.

In an email Dec. 21, Krys Johnson, city spokesperson, said the city is waiting for the contractor to finish up some punch-list items while the city works on signage. She said the city hopes to have things wrapped up and operational after the holiday season.

The dock is located on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal behind the Rehoboth Beach Museum and Grove Park. Construction began in April. A final walk-through was conducted Dec. 10.

The city was in charge of constructing the $1.25 million project, but the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association, a nonprofit proponent of the venture, raised over $1 million toward its completion. In February, city officials committed $280,000 of this year’s budget toward the project.

Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Pat Coluzzi is a member of LRCIA and has been a supporter of the project since the beginning. She said the city looks forward to being able to work with water taxi operators and eco-tour companies to offer residents and visitors access to a part of Delaware that many people have not seen.

“I believe, as Delaware’s flagship beach community, we need to continue to do more to attract visitors and the residents of bedroom communities to continue to patronize our businesses downtown. And, I believe the dock will do just that,” said Coluzzi, in an email Dec. 21.

Coluzzi said the dock provides a new link between Lewes and Rehoboth, and an exciting way to enjoy both towns while avoiding the increasing traffic on Route 1. With a kayak launch, the canal will now be open to many who would like to enjoy the excellent water views and birds that are abundant in this part of Delaware, she said.

Johnson said a date for a ribbon cutting is pending.

The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.