The City of Newark is excited to announce the site of the former Caesar Rodney Residence Hall located at 103 Hillside Road is ready for construction. In place of the dormitories, the City, with support from the University of Delaware and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), will build a seven-acre public park with .75 miles of accessible trails, a natural play area and outdoor classroom. The site will also contain a stormwater pond to address flooding and water quality concerns along with amenities such as a fishing pier, floating wetlands and observation deck. Earth moving is begin the week of March 16th.

The name of the park will be determined by the public through a survey distributed by the City. The survey will launch on Friday, March 13th and submissions are due by 4:00 on Thursday, March 26th. City staff will present the top six names to Mayor Jerry Clifton and members of City Council for consideration and approval. A second survey containing the top names will be returned to the public for a final vote. The individual who submitted the winning name will earn a $100 Newark Parks & Recreation gift card. NOTE: Proper names will not be considered and duplicate names will be credited to the first entry received.

What: Groundbreaking ceremony for new City park located at the former Caesar Rodney Residence Hall

Who: City of Newark Mayor Jerry Clifton

 Current and former members of Newark City Council 

 City Manager Tom Coleman

 Representatives from University of Delaware

 Representatives from DNREC

Where: 103 Hillside Road, Newark, DE 19711

Parking is available at the Oaklands Swim Club: 301 Hillside Road

When: Friday, March 13th at 1:30 p.m.