From Abandoned Site to Award-Winning City Park
What was once a long-abandoned reservoir on Wilmington’s west side has been transformed into a vibrant new community space, Rodney Park. Officially opened on October 8, the park marks Wilmington’s first city-managed park in more than 40 years and stands as a model of innovative redevelopment and sustainable construction.
Eastern States Construction Service is proud to have partnered with the City of Wilmington Public Works Department on this transformative project, which recently earned the 2025 DCA Excellence in Construction Award.
Transforming a Forgotten Space
Located at the 800 block of Clayton Street where the Little Italy, Cool Springs, and Hilltop neighborhoods meet, the Rodney Reservoir site had sat unused for decades. Once home to a 7.5-million-gallon underground water reservoir, the property was ready for reimagining.
Working closely with city officials, engineers, and community members, our team helped turn this overlooked site into a thriving green space that now connects the surrounding neighborhoods.
Building a Sustainable Park for the Future
The Rodney Reservoir Demolition and Park Construction project involved the complete removal of the aging reservoir and the reuse of its materials to create the foundation of the new park. Over 4,600 cubic yards of concrete were crushed and repurposed as engineered fill, while 16,000 cubic yards of soil were placed to form a new hilltop landscape with scenic overlooks, walking trails, and natural play areas.
Our team introduced several innovative practices to ensure the project’s sustainability and safety, including:
- Onsite material reuse to minimize waste and trucking impacts
- Misting systems to control dust and protect air quality in a residential area • Restoration and integration of historic elements, including original benches, pavers, and reservoir columns
The finished park features open meadows, thousands of native plants, and more than 500 new trees and shrubs to promote biodiversity and urban cooling. From the park’s highest point, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of northern New Castle County, including landmarks like Rockford Tower and Concord Pike’s skyline.
Collaboration and Community Impact
Constructing a major public park in the heart of a residential neighborhood came with unique challenges, from limited access to active utility coordination and public safety. Through careful planning, strong communication, and collaboration with city agencies and design teams, Eastern States Construction Service delivered a resilient and community centered space that residents can enjoy for generations.
The Rodney Park project exemplifies how thoughtful engineering and sustainable construction can reshape an urban landscape. For Eastern States Construction Service, it represents more than just another successful project. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a continued commitment to building a better Delaware.
