South Wilmington Wetlands Park Construction

Construction on the South Wilmington Wetlands Park started on June 3, 2019 and was completed August 2022. 

Project Summary

The purpose of the South Wilmington Wetlands Park is to create a stormwater management facility to reduce flooding in Southbridge, restore and enhance existing wetlands, and create a new park for the community.

Major milestones of the project included:

• Excavation and disposal of 155,000 cubic yards of soil unsuitable for reuse
• Excavation and disposal of 17,000 tons of PCB and Metals contaminated soils
• Shaping of wetlands and drainage channels to provide stormwater storage capacity 
• Construction of 0.3 mile at-grade stone trail and elevated boardwalk with wire mesh and cedar handrail connecting Southbridge to shopping and amenities along S. Walnut Street 
• Installation of 450 feet of concrete drainage pipe and associated drainage manholes, inlets, and headwalls
• Installation of drainage vault and multiple tide gates at 800 A St to allow stormwater outfall to the Christina River
• Construction of stone drainage channel with gabion basket retaining wall
• Installation of a state-of-the-art tide valve structure containing a 48” pinch valve and 48” plug valve connected to an automated control system located in the prefabricated structure located at 322 A Street allowing for optimized tidal inundation
• Planting of: 
  • 113,000 Emergent Marsh Plants
  • 1,700 Native Shrubs
  • 800 Native Trees
• Construction of 2 stamped concrete gateway park entrances and paved parking areas

Project Team

The construction of this project was a true partnering collaboration throughout the project duration and would not have been possible without the work and support from:

• City of Wilmington Department of Public Works
• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
• RK&K 
• Diamond Materials
• BrightFields