Killens Pond State Park
Natural and recreational opportunities abound at Killens Pond State Park, centrally located in the heart of Kent County. The park's centerpiece is the 66-acre millpond which features boating and fishing. The all new Killens Pond Water Park offers resort entertainment in a serene, natural setting. Only about a 1½-hour drive from either the northern or southern state line, Killens Pond makes a perfect home base for exploring the First State. Open year-round, the park's campground and cozy cabins are popular retreats no matter what the season.
The millpond was established in the late 1700's. Prior to the pond's creation, the Murderkill River and surrounding hardwood forest were sites of several Native American homes and hunting camps. According to legend, the river's unusual name refers to a local tribe's massacre of a Dutch trading party at the mouth of the river in 1648. Now a peaceful oasis, Killens Pond became a state park in 1965.
Fishing and Boating
The pond is home to largemouth bass, catfish, carp, perch, crappie, bluegills, and pickerel, all of which await the patient angler. Exploring by boat is easy, thanks to a convenient boat launching ramp. Canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented during the summer. The Murderkill River Canoe Trail provides a challenge for the more adventurous paddler.
Swimming
The Killens Pond Water Park is more than a pool, it's a whole different way to have fun in the water. Gently sloping from ground level, the innovatively designed main pool's zero-depth entrance makes getting in and out easy, and visitors will enjoy exciting interactive water features such as the Floating Lily Pad Fun Walk. For maximum water excitement, two 27-foot high, 205-foot long twisting and turning water slides end in a specially designed splash pool. At the tot pool and tot lot, bubblers, ground water jets, small slides, and a pool-side waterplay system give smaller visitors lots of fun ways to enjoy a warm summer's day. After working up an appetite, hungry swimmers can enjoy a variety of menu items at the new food concession. The Swim Shop is the place for all your sunning and swimming needs.
Recreational Activities
More recreational activities can be found throughout the woodlands and grassy fields surrounding the pond. Hiking trails and a cross-country running course wind through several types of habitat featuring native plants and animals. A number of game courts and ball fields satisfy the athlete, and an 18-hole disc golf course challenges players to test their skill with a flying disk. The Life Course Trail offers a healthy challenge. The 3.2-mile Pondside Trail is carpeted with pine needles and sand and winds along the banks of the park's 66-acre mill pond.
Playground equipment and picnic areas are the perfect place for pleasant lunch or dinner break and four pavilions can be reserved for larger group events. A bike path from Route 13 to the main entrance provides a leisurely passage into and out of the park. There is also a new extension that leads to the water park and sports complex areas.
A number of educational and recreational programs are conducted throughout the year. Group hayrides are available by reservation and may be scheduled by calling the Nature Center.
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