Our Work

Our Work In The Parks
Our Work In The Parks
Our Work In The Parks
Our Work In The Parks

Friends of Wilmington Parks is dedicated to maintaining the beauty and enjoyment of the Wilmington State Parks system

Through programs, clean-ups, plantings and restoration of historic objects, we are committed to keeping the parks enjoyable destinations for the community.

The Wilmington State Parks encompass five lush, urban parks along the Brandywine River in Delaware:

  • Brandywine Park marvels with its beautiful views of the Brandywine River as well as historic monuments.
  • H. Fletcher Brown Park provides a small oasis in the Wilmington business district.
  • Rockford Park in Wilmington’s Highlands neighborhood has one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, the Rockford Tower.
  • Alapocas Run State Park between Augustine Cutoff and Route 141 encompasses 191 acres of woodland used by hikers, joggers and cyclists.
  • Kentmere Parkway is a half-mile long green parkway connecting Brandywine and Rockford Parks.
Our Work In The Parks

Friends of Wilmington Parks supports Wilmington State Parks with funding and hard work.

The Friends is a partner in providing great amenities, events and recreation opportunities for visitors.

  • We fundraise for new park facilities and the restoration of monuments in the five Wilmington State Parks.
  • We maintain and care for the Jasper Crane Rose Garden, a historic rose garden in Brandywine Park that has been named one of the most beautiful in the country.
  • We clean out invasive species and restore native habitat to areas of Brandywine Park.
  • We host events throughout the year, like the free summer concert series in Rockford Park and at the Sugar Bowl in Brandywine Park.

Parks We Serve

Parks organizes seasonal bi-monthly park clean
Park Cleanups

The Friends of Wilmington Parks organizes seasonal bi-monthly park clean-ups from April through October.

The cleanups target certain areas of the parks, such as South Park Drive or at the Sugar Bowl Pavilion in Brandywine Park. Community volunteers, working alongside our Board and Members, clear away invasive plants, ivy and trees along with debris, leaves and trash to help keep these areas beautiful and welcoming.

FOWP and Wilmington State Parks provide cleanup materials and gloves. If you wish to join our cleanup efforts, please contact David Jezyk, davejezyk@gmail.com. Check this page frequently for the latest details.

The Historic Sugar Bowl

The Historic Sugar Bowl

The Restoration of the Sugar Bowl

FOWP took on the Sugar Bowl restoration in 2006, after Delaware State Parks identified it as a possible project for the organization to spearhead. The project, our largest undertaking, was completed in 2016. Since “putting the lid” back on the Sugar Bowl, we anticipate it will again be a favored spot for community gatherings. Stay tuned for upcoming programs and concerts!

In support of this restoration, FOWP is grateful for contributions from: Borkee-Hagley Foundation, City of Wilmington, Crystal Trust Foundation, the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, DuPont, Foster Friess Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lorii, Longwood Foundation, Marmot Foundation, Senator Harris McDowell and Welfare Foundation, among others.

Jasper Crane Rose Garden

Jasper Crane Rose Garden

Plan a visit to this beautiful Wilmington garden!

When FOWP took on the care of the Garden in the 1990s, we embarked on a restoration of the garden to replace the plantings and install a new irrigation system, which was completed in 2001.

FOWP employs a skilled rose gardener year-round to maintain the garden. The Rose Garden is enjoyed every June by FOWP members and friends at the Jasper Crane Rose Garden Party and is also a favorite location of local photographers. In 2015, we installed a new irrigation system with support from Curran Foundation and Laffey-McHugh Foundation. We also planted more than 100 new rose bushes, generously donated by Star Roses and Plants. In 2016 we added as many as 100 more rose bushes to return the garden to its full splendor.

Past Successes

Monkey Hill Picnic Pavilion – 2000

Monkey Hill Picnic Pavilion – 2000

Sugar Bowl

Sugar Bowl – 2016

Fitness Trail

Fitness Trail – 2022

Park Cleanups

The Friends of Wilmington Parks organizes seasonal bi-monthly park clean-ups from April through October.

The cleanups target certain areas of the parks, such as South Park Drive or at the Sugar Bowl Pavilion in Brandywine Park. Community volunteers, working alongside our Board and Members, clear away invasive plants, ivy and trees along with debris, leaves and trash to help keep these areas beautiful and welcoming.

FOWP and Wilmington State Parks provide cleanup materials and gloves. If you wish to join our cleanup efforts, please contact David Jezyk, davejezyk@gmail.com. Check this page frequently for the latest details.

Upcoming Events

Support Our Work

Join the fun and help the cause!

Donate
Become a member
Volunteer

Follow Friends Of Wilmington Parks to keep up to date.

FACEBOOK Instagram