This e-Newsletter includes the latest news on the construction of the new Rodney Reservoir Park, a summer community garden design series recap, a survey opportunity and more.
WHO WE ARE: Green for the Greater Good is a group of neighbors working to transform the Rodney Reservoir into a beautiful park for all to enjoy.
1. RODNEY RESERVOIR PARK CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The City of Wilmington continues to move forward with the construction of the community-designed park at the site of the former Rodney Reservoir. We can see the progress just by walking by the site! The target of a Spring 2025 opening remains in place.
A lot of native plantings are planned. This creates a great opportunity to connect residents and students to nature through educational and experiential opportunities as well as the many benefits that the increased canopy, vegetation and habitat will mean for our community. Learn more about Hinge’s plan for habitat creation at the site here.
2. RODNEY RESERVOIR COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE
This summer, Green for the Greater Good partnered with the University of Delaware’s Living Lab Research Group and West Side Grows Together to create an opportunity for everyone who gardens at the Rodney Reservoir or is interested in gardening at the site to be involved in shaping the design of the future community garden space. Participants had the chance to talk about community needs and what is possible in the space in terms of programming and uses–especially the opportunity to expand access to outdoor education, stewardship, gardening, and fresh vegetables.
More than 125 participants, including neighbors, gardeners, organizational partners and leaders, took part in the event series including three in-person workshops, a virtual session and a field trip to Baltimore. Community members were also invited to share input via a survey. Read the series recap blog post here.
Are you interested in participating in garden leadership initiatives including conversations around operations, by-laws and community gardening models? Please let us know by replying to this e-newsletter or emailing greenforthegreatergoodde@gmail.com.
3. SOCIAL SOIL RECAP
Green for the Greater Good, Free Food for All Delaware, and amazing partners Latin American Community Center hosted an inaugural Social Soil event at the LACC’s 301 N. Harrison site in late October. This free, bilingual (Spanish/English) event brought together community members and partners to share a beautiful seasonal meal created by Free Food For All Delaware. Participants also engaged in conversations and activities and gave and received resources related to community gardening, stewardship, and community design. There was even a free farm stand by Bright Spot Farm!
Many thanks to the amazing partners who made the day a success including: Free Food for All Delaware, Latin American Cultural Center, UD’s Living Lab & Landscape Architecture students, West Side Grows Together, Humbly Assisting Humanity, Zero Waste Delaware, Bright Spot Farm, Clean Air Council, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Delaware Futures, and InnerSource Wellness Center. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and took part! We are planning for a second event in the spring!
4. COMMUNITY GARDEN AND URBAN AGRICULTURE SURVEY
This is a reminder that the City of Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department has launched a survey seeking input on future community gardening offerings in the City (including at the Rodney Reservoir!). If you haven’t completed the survey yet, there is still time to share your opinions, inspirations and expertise!
GET MORE INVOLVED
Let’s keep working together to make sure our neighborhood is heard and the city continues to work with us on the future of the Rodney Reservoir! Here are some more ways you can get involved:
Share posts on your own social media.
Visit the website for the latest news.
Join weekly Saturday meetings at 10 AM at the Church of The Holy City at 1118 N. Broom Street. Enter to the right of the main door and enter through the side door. Please note that on December 7 we will meet on Zoom due to the Church of the Holy City's Annual Wreath Sale. Please email greenforthegreatergoodde@gmail.com for info if you would like to attend.
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