Our Town Revisited: Dewey Beach Playground

DEWEY BEACH, De. – Continuing our trip down memory lane, we’re at Dewey Beach when former anchor and reporter Kelly Rouse had a chance to view their community playground.

Playground 1999

The playground in our town Dewey beach just re-opened after receiving 60-thousand dollars in improvement money. The land was donated to the Dewey Beach Lions Club years prior with the provision that it be used as a playground for children.

Town manager Bill Rutherford said at the time, Dewey had seen an explosion of families with small children, and this is perfect. “It’s a great place to take the kids after a day at the beach, or early in the morning. Especially Sat-Sun morning it’s packed down there. So, it’s a big plus for Dewey Beach.”

Over 2 decades later it’s still standing, and I spoke with the current town manager as, he tells us how the playground has been preserved.

Playground 2025 

Bill Zolper is the Town Manager for Dewey Beach and says the John Waples Memorial Playground has been a great addition to the town thanks to the Lion’s Club.

“So, during the summer, this is a great place for kids to come… The lion’s club does a great job keeping that playground available for all folks and all families that are visiting Dewey beach. It’s on Mckinley Street on the Bay side; it’s a beautiful playground.

The Lion’s club helps maintain more than just the playground in the area, and Zolper says the town is lucky to have them. “The lions club is a non-profit here in town they’re a great community organization that gives back to the town and to the citizens of Dewey Beach.”

He says the playground is just one aspect of a great area, and he’s proud to be here. “So, Dewey Beach is a great place, I’ve been up here off and on my whole life, it’s a great opportunity to come back and serve the people.”

If you would like to visit the John Waples Memorial Playground in Dewey Beach, it’s a 122 Dagworthy Street.