E-Newsletter
This newsletter keeps our community informed about the latest news on the Rodney Reservoir and shares opportunities for everyone to engage and take action.
WHO WE ARE: Green for the Greater Good is a group of neighbors working to keep the Rodney Reservoir site public, safe and green so all residents can enjoy its use. All are welcome to join this effort!
1. SAVE THE DATE: RODNEY RESERVOIR COMMUNITY DESIGN CHARRETTE FACILITATED BY PARTNERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
You are invited to participate in a community-engaged visioning process to consider possible concepts and generate preliminary design ideas for the future Rodney Reservoir Park in a three-event series on June 13th, 22nd and 27th. This opportunity is thanks to a new partnership with University of Delaware and Living Lab Research Group faculty Anna Wik, RLA, ASLA and Dr. Nina David funded by the Wilmington Partnership.
A charrette is an intensive design process that brings together multiple stakeholders to learn about the historical, cultural and environmental importance of a particular site and to brainstorm and evaluate design concepts for its future use.
This process is a chance for our community to learn about the history of the Rodney Reservoir, concepts in urban greenspace design such as adaptive reuse, and the many ways that urban green spaces benefit communities–from creating opportunities for social connections and enhancing biodiversity to mitigating the urban heat island effect and contributing to improved physical and mental health outcomes.
Most importantly, these charrette sessions are a chance for the community to share input about the features and amenities they would like to see in a future park and to voice other priorities and concerns.
At the end of the process, we will have some design concepts and visualizations that we can take to the next phase of the visioning and planning process with City officials.
The Rodney Reservoir Community Design Charrette will take place over three days- it would be great if you could participate in all three. Sessions I and II will have two options- come early or come late.
Mark your calendar and PLEASE RSVP to the three individual events you will attend!
3:30/6:30 content is identical–choose one session
UD Fellows introduce concepts and share opportunities and constraints for the site. Community members will brainstorm and provide input on plans and case studies.
3:30/6:30 content is identical–choose one session
UD Fellows will develop drafts of approximately three potential concepts and present them to the community for feedback and response.
Session III: Tuesday, June 27th at 6:30 PM (On Zoom)
UD Fellows will share their completed ideas
2. GREEN FOR THE GREATER GOOD MARKS ITS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Memorial Day weekend marked the one-year anniversary of our community organizing to restore Rodney Reservoir Park. Please read our blog post for a recap of what has been accomplished so far and what important work is still to be done to ensure the Rodney Reservoir remains public and green and becomes safe and accessible for all neighbors to enjoy.
3. REPORT ON LETTER CAMPAIGN TO THE BOND BILL COMMITTEE
We are happy to report our coalition’s successful letter campaign to alert the Bond Bill Committee and state legislators that Wilmington residents believe the City should adhere to the legislation’s requirements to do comprehensive planning and community engagement before any site work–including demolition–begins. As of today, community members have sent more than 800 letters. Thank you for your engagement and for joining voices together so we are heard.
GET MORE INVOLVED:
We all need to work together to make sure our neighborhood is heard and the city works with us on the future of the Rodney Reservoir! Here are some ways you can help:
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.
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