Rodney Reservoir

Rodney Reservoir Park Community Design Project

The City of Wilmington hired Hinge Collective to lead an inclusive, collaborative design process for the future, Rodney Reservoir Park. The 3.8-acre square block of city-owned property occupies a high point at the intersection of Wilmington’s Hilltop, Little Italy, and Cool Springs neighborhoods with sweeping views across the city. The reservoir, built in 1863, served as both a reservoir and public park until it was decommissioned in the 1990s when safety concerns caused the site to be fenced and public access restricted. However, the community highlighted memories of events at the bandshell, seeing the civilian observer corps’ 40’ observation tower, discovering wildlife, and even sledding that demonstrate the value of this green space. Cornerstone launched efforts to restore public access by starting a community garden at the site in 2010 which has become the largest community garden in the City of Wilmington with 61 plots and more than 100 gardeners.

Hinge Collective worked with the Rodney Reservoir Advisory Committee to design a public workshop series to build on established equity, community health, and resilience goals. These workshops provided opportunities for residents to share ideas and provide feedback for a conceptual design that meets the needs of the surrounding community.