Drone photo of Rodney Reservoir Park from March 2025. (Photo provided by Wilmington Parks & Recreation)
WILMINGTON — After a series of weather-related construction delays, Wilmington’s long-awaited Rodney Reservoir Park is now expected to open at the end of summer.
Originally projected for a May 2025 debut, the park’s opening was pushed back due to more than 90 days of lost construction time during the winter season. City officials now anticipate a late August opening for the park, located in the Hilltop neighborhood at the site of the former Rodney Reservoir, which has been closed to the public since 2003.
“The park is slated to open late summer, with the garden opening in Spring 2026,” said Melody Phillips, Ph.D., acting director of Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department.
RELATED STORY: Delaware identifies over 1,000 at-risk species in major wildlife conservation update
Additional minor construction issues also contributed to the delay. According to Phillips, coordination with the Department of Public Works to manage stormwater infrastructure caused some disruptions in the park’s development timeline.
When complete, the revamped reservoir site will feature walking trails, playgrounds, and sweeping city views from the elevated grounds of the former water infrastructure. A community garden is also part of the plan, and is now expected to open in spring 2026. City officials say there is already a waiting list for residents interested in securing a garden plot.
RELATED STORIES:
![Performing the first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement at ChristianaCare. (Photo courtesy ChristianaCare)]()
ChristianaCare first in Delaware to offer breakthrough tricuspid valve disease treatments
09/19/2025![New Castle County Police mourn loss of K9 Nox]()
New Castle County Police mourn loss of K9 Nox
09/19/2025![Candlelight Theatre Presents the Powerful, Tony Award-Winning Musical Ragtime]()
Candlelight Theatre Presents the Powerful, Tony Award-Winning Musical Ragtime
09/18/2025![The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)]()
DSHA awards $3.18M in tax credits for affordable housing projects
09/17/2025![Governor Signs HB119, the Freedom to Read Act, into Law]()
Governor Signs HB119, the Freedom to Read Act, into Law
09/16/2025![DNREC is considering fee changes as rising costs and record demand put pressure on the state park system. (Photo courtesy DNREC)]()
DNREC considers fee changes for Delaware State Parks amid rising costs, record demand
09/16/2025![SEPTA Regional Rail and buses serving Wilmington are back in full operation after service was restored September 14. (Photo by ExactoCreation FLICKR)]()
SEPTA restores Wilmington trains and buses, but long-term funding still in question
09/16/2025![University of Delaware researchers will expand Alzheimer’s studies with support from a $13.1 million Delaware Community Foundation grant. (Photo by Edward Jenner)]()
DCF awards $13M to University of Delaware Alzheimer’s Research Center
09/15/2025
Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.
Share this Post