REHOBOTH BEACH, DE – City officials in Rehoboth Beach are weighing multiple options to repair or replace the deteriorating Grove Park Canal dock, where structural issues have prompted the closure of the waterfront area.
Public Works Director Henry Matlosz said the city first noticed some structural issues along the dock months ago.
“We had noticed some shifting and cracks in the retaining wall,” Matlosz said. “We closed the dock both at the water and at the top, and we're basically trying to figure out the best options moving forward.”
Commissioners are considering three repair options, ranging in cost from several hundred thousand dollars to nearly $2 million. The most expensive proposal involves fully removing and restoring the retaining wall, estimated at $1.8 million. A mid-range option would remove the wall and stabilize the slope for about $1 million. The least expensive fix would use rip rap and boulders at the base to prevent further erosion, projected to cost around $350,000, according to the public works director.
The proposals have sparked mixed reactions from the public.
“I don't think it's worth it, personally,” said neighbor Alicia Davis. “There's just a lot more things I think we could focus on and handle down here rather than putting money into something like that.”
Others believe the dock remains a valuable community resource.
“I think having it as an attraction to have for people with kids to watch the boats go by is awesome,” said Julia Deakyne. “And if they're going to go through all that work to get it fixed, we might as well have it for the long-run.”
City leaders have not yet made a final decision, but Matlosz said they are exploring whether the dock can be reopened this season if it receives approval from multiple engineers.