Wilmington City Council President Theo Gregory is proposing spending $200,000 for an architectural study for Eden Park.
Gregory introduced a Capital Budget amendment at Thursday’s City Council meeting to fund a $200,000 architectural and engineering study to lay the groundwork for future improvements at the park at 1098 New Castle Avenue.
“During the recent community discussions about the physical condition of Baynard Stadium, it became clear to me that if the Eden Park sports facility were improved, it would go a long way to help local youth sports teams who need additional areas for practice and games, said Gregory. “Eden Park is a beautiful facility that could be enhanced to serve more people and groups. It is my hope that the study will provide an assessment of what improvements can be made and at what cost. We forget at times that these youth sports teams stress important principles such as teamwork, discipline and respect in addition to providing a needed recreation outlet for our young people.”
Salesianum School dropped a proposal that called for a $20 million investment and a long-term lease at Baynard Stadium. This came after State Rep. Charles Potter aired concerns about city control of the stadium and the status of youth teams that might use the stadium.
Gregory, who is leaving public office, said he hopes to be involved with any future Eden Park improvement project. He said any improvements to the park should begin with an all-weather turf athletic field to enhance the appropriate 300-seat existing stands as well as a lighting system for evening events and a scoreboard.
The stadium is the home of the Delaware Black Foxes semi-pro rugby team. The park gained notoriety in 2012 when a shootout at a soccer match claimed two lives.
Council President-elect Hanifa Shabazz praised Gregory’s efforts to find funding for an Eden Park study. “I will work to ensure that the community’s concerns and best interests are considered as part of this and any future projects,” said Shabazz.
The Eden Park proposal could blunt Potter’s argument about youth leagues and perhaps pave the way for another attempt to renovate Baynard Stadium, after new Mayor Mike Purzycki takes office in January.
