There's no doubt that well-designed, integrated bike and walking trails are major attractions in thriving cities across the country. Here in New Castle County, we are now closer than ever to having a continuous loop in and around the city of Wilmington.
Last month public officials shared extraordinary news – a $23 million federal grant will fund the construction of the Newport River Trail.
Young workforce, remote workers looking for walkability and bike trails
Bike and walking trails are more important than ever in the real estate industry. More and more people considering a move to Delaware tell our agents that they plan to work remotely and are seeking cities that offer healthy lifestyle amenities.
In fact this year, the National Association of Realtors conducted a survey which focused on what today's buyers consider when deciding where to buy a home:
• walkability
• commute length and proximity to highways
• access to public transportation
Last month public officials shared extraordinary news – a $23 million federal grant will fund the construction of the Newport River Trail.
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| US Sen. Chris Coons shares news of a $23 million grant for a trail connecting Wilmington to Newport - Aug 29, 2023 |
The two-mile path will connect Newport to the head of the popular Jack Markell Trail, providing a new gateway to Wilmington and New Castle. The new trail will include a boardwalk that spans Christina River wetlands, providing scenic vistas for riders and hikers alike.
Plans for the Newport River Trail have been percolating for years. But costs associated with spanning fragile Christina River wetlands have been a challenge.
Now, completion of this critical link makes possible the prospect of a transformational continuous path through and around Wilmington.
A continuous bike/walk trail would be a game changer for Delaware's economy and quality of life.
The map below depicts the "Wilmington Loop." The route includes trails along the Brandywine River, through Alapocas State Park and along 141 in Greenville. A key remaining 2.1-mile stretch through the East Side of Wilmington would connect the beautiful existing trails along the Brandywine and Christina Rivers.
Plans for the Newport River Trail have been percolating for years. But costs associated with spanning fragile Christina River wetlands have been a challenge.
Now, completion of this critical link makes possible the prospect of a transformational continuous path through and around Wilmington.
A continuous bike/walk trail would be a game changer for Delaware's economy and quality of life.
The map below depicts the "Wilmington Loop." The route includes trails along the Brandywine River, through Alapocas State Park and along 141 in Greenville. A key remaining 2.1-mile stretch through the East Side of Wilmington would connect the beautiful existing trails along the Brandywine and Christina Rivers.
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| The proposed Wilmington Loop. The Newport River Trail is in purple. |
Supporters of the 17-mile bike/walk trail say the project would have public health and economic benefits, connecting people to jobs, communities, cultural institutions and state parks.
"The realization of this plan would be a big win for residents as well as businesses considering relocation moves," says Scott Johnson, a partner at Johnson Commercial Real Estate.
Greater Wilmington Loop Coalition has broad support
"The realization of this plan would be a big win for residents as well as businesses considering relocation moves," says Scott Johnson, a partner at Johnson Commercial Real Estate.
Greater Wilmington Loop Coalition has broad support
Johnson co-chairs the "Greater Wilmington Coalition" (WiLCO), a group of business, community and government leaders advocating for completion of the entire project.
The group includes organizations like Delaware Greenways and the Delaware Business Roundtable as well as political and community leaders such as Rep. Krista Griffith, Rep. Mike Smith, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, Chris Buccini or Buccini/Pollin Group, Brian DiSabatino of EDiS Company, Rod Ward of CSC, Gene Delle Donne of Avenue North, and Megan McGlinchey of the Riverfront Development Corp.
WiLCO is currently working on coordinating a feasibility study for the missing Wilmington connector while marshaling support.
WiLCO is currently working on coordinating a feasibility study for the missing Wilmington connector while marshaling support.
"The city is pleased to be part of a wonderful project bring led by the Wilmington Loop Coalition," said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. "This initiative has picked up encouraging momentum, and the city supports efforts to create numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Congratulations to all who see the tremendous value in the completion of the Loop."
More than a bike or pedestrian pathway, the proposed Greater Wilmington Loop would be a destination -- a compelling, differentiated selling point for the entire state.
More than a bike or pedestrian pathway, the proposed Greater Wilmington Loop would be a destination -- a compelling, differentiated selling point for the entire state.
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| Bike lanes and bike paths - like this path at Hagley - are important to people considering a move to Delaware |
Bike and walking trails are more important than ever in the real estate industry. More and more people considering a move to Delaware tell our agents that they plan to work remotely and are seeking cities that offer healthy lifestyle amenities.
In fact this year, the National Association of Realtors conducted a survey which focused on what today's buyers consider when deciding where to buy a home:
• walkability
• commute length and proximity to highways
• access to public transportation
• access to bike paths
Eighty-four percent (84%) of respondents ranked sidewalks and places to take walks as very important or somewhat important. And 55% ranked bike lanes or nearby bike paths as very important or somewhat important.
Eighty-four percent (84%) of respondents ranked sidewalks and places to take walks as very important or somewhat important. And 55% ranked bike lanes or nearby bike paths as very important or somewhat important.
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