Wilmington State Parks: An Urban Oasis

Wilmington State Parks, established in 1998, unites Brandywine Park, Rockford Park, H. Fletcher Brown Park, and the Hobbs Tract, creating a 576-acre urban retreat along the Brandywine River. These parks have fostered family memories and traditions for generations. Brandywine Park, the oldest, was established in 1886 and designed with input from landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. It features the Brandywine Zoo, the iconic Sugar Bowl, the Josephine Fountain, and the Jasper Crane Rose Garden. The park offers a mix of wilderness and open space, with walking trails and scenic views. Rockford Park's centerpiece is the Rockford Tower, an iconic piece of the Wilmington skyline offering beautiful city views. The park provides open spaces for picnics, jogging, and other outdoor activities. H. Fletcher Brown Park, the smallest unit, offers a scenic overlook of the Brandywine Creek and the historic millrace that supplies Wilmington's drinking water. The Hobbs Tract, acquired in 2004, adjoins Valley Garden Park and was once part of a Du Pont family estate. Throughout the parks, visitors can explore monuments, memorials, and historic bridges that connect the community. Recreational facilities include tennis courts, ball fields, and fitness stations. The Brandywine River itself serves as a source of drinking water and a spawning ground for shad.