PRESS RELEASE: Councilmember Shané Darby Celebrates Long-Awaited Grand Reopening of 30th Street Park Following Six Years of Advocacy
October 28, 2026
Councilmember Shané Darby Celebrates Long-Awaited Grand Reopening of 30th Street Park Following Six Years of Advocacy
Renovated Eastlake Park features upgraded playground, basketball courts, pavilion, and community gathering spaces.
Wilmington, DE — After years of community advocacy and efforts to secure improvements, Wilmington City Councilmember Shané Darby (2nd District) is celebrating the grand reopening of 30th Street Park, officially known as Eastlake Park, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
The long-awaited renovation brings significant improvements to the neighborhood park, including a renovated playground, upgraded basketball courts, a new pavilion, seating, picnic areas, outdoor grills, and enhanced spaces for families and residents to gather.
For Councilmember Darby, the renovation represents both a major neighborhood investment and a deeply personal milestone.
“This isn’t just another park in my district. This is home,” said Councilwoman Darby. “I grew up on 26th and Creston, played at this park as a little girl, and watched all three of my children make memories here. I’ve witnessed this neighborhood transform over the years, and I’ve spent six years pushing to make sure this park received the investment our families deserve.”
Years of Advocacy and Legislative Action
- The effort to renovate Eastlake Park began before Darby’s tenure on City Council.
- In 2019, during the tenure of former 2nd District Councilmember and current City Council President Trippi Congo, City Council approved Resolution 19-054, authorizing an application for $100,000 in state funding for playground improvements. To read the resolution, click here.
- After taking office, Darby continued advocating for the park’s renovation through meetings with residents, City officials, and the administration.
- In July 2024, Darby introduced Resolution 24-041, unanimously adopted by City Council, encouraging the administration to collaborate with residents and community partners to advance improvements to Eastlake Park. To read the resolution, click here.
- Additional legislative action followed in December 2025, when City Council authorized an amended state grant application for $190,000 to support park improvements. To read the resolution, click here.
These actions reflected years of continued efforts to prioritize the park’s renovation. A complete accounting of project funding and expenditures is being requested to document the total public and private investment.
“I believe in giving credit where credit is due,” said Councilwoman Darby. “President Congo helped lay the groundwork for this project, and I was committed to continuing that work. This renovation represents years of persistence, community engagement, and residents refusing to give up on their neighborhood.”
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Throughout the renovation process, neighborhood residents and the 30th Street Community Civic Association played an important role in advocating for improvements, participating in discussions, and holding public officials accountable.
Darby also recognized Daniel Walker for his responsiveness when she raised the park renovation as a priority during one of her first meetings with the new administration.
“Community engagement isn’t always comfortable, but it’s necessary,” said Councilwoman Darby. “Our residents showed up, asked questions, expressed concerns, and held everyone involved accountable. This park is better because of their continued advocacy.”
Darby extended her appreciation to the City of Wilmington, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia 76ers organization, and the individuals and partners who contributed to advancing the project.
Grand Reopening Celebration
Event: 30th Street Park (Eastlake Park) Grand Reopening
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Eastlake Park, 3000 block of North Madison Street, Wilmington, DE
Councilmember Darby will be unable to attend the ceremony in person because the event date was established without coordinating with her schedule, and she has a previously scheduled conference commitment.
“After six years of fighting for this renovation, I am disappointed that I cannot celebrate in person with the residents who made this possible,” said Councilwoman Darby. “But I hope every family in this neighborhood comes out to enjoy this beautiful space. This is their park, and they deserve this moment.”
At-Large Councilmember Alexander Hackett will deliver remarks on her behalf.
“Our young people deserve places like this right in their own neighborhood—somewhere to play ball, build friendships, and just be kids,” said At-Large Councilmember Hackett. “That’s what Eastlake Park represents to me. It’s a place where friendships will grow, families will come together, and memories will be made for generations to come. Investing in Eastlake Park shows our families that they matter and that their neighborhood matters. Thank you to the City of Wilmington and the Sixers Youth Foundation for helping bring this vision to life. I’m looking forward to seeing this park full of kids and families making memories.”
A Lasting Investment in Wilmington’s Neighborhoods
The renovation provides new recreational opportunities for children, families, and residents while creating a welcoming space for neighborhood gatherings.
Darby emphasized that the grand reopening should mark the beginning of continued investment and maintenance rather than the conclusion of the City’s responsibility.
“Our work doesn’t end with a ribbon-cutting,” said Councilwoman Darby. “We must maintain this park, protect it, and continue investing in the families who call this neighborhood home.”
She added, “I didn’t even know this park was officially called Eastlake Park until I became a councilmember. Growing up, it was always 30th Street Park. And to me, it always will be.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications
Wilmington City Council | City of Wilmington, DEOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council’s Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com