Plans move forward for Deep Branch Park

Original artist rendering of Deep Branch Park

Almost one year ago, Milford City Council gave Parks and Recreation Director Brad Dennehy, the authorization to move forward with converting 19 acres of land, known then as the Sharp property, into a city park and trail system. On September 12, from 5 to 7 PM, residents will get a chance to provide input on the possible design of the park. The open house will be held in City Council Chambers, located at 201 South Walnut Street.

“We extend an invite to the Milford community and welcome their input to determine what is the best use of this property on the possibility of use of a park,” Mayor Todd Culotta said.

The public will be invited to give input into the amenities that will be included in the park. Various display boards will be set up in chambers which will showcase features under consideration. City staff will be on hand to discuss the plans and obtain feedback from residents. The event is critical for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to the planning process.

“The idea is grounded in Outdoor, Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT) funding with DNREC which is an outdoor trails program which the City of Milford has been successful in getting funds for over the years,” Dennehy said at the meeting where the authorization to move forward was issued. “We’ve been the recipient of 19 different funding cycles. The city has purchased this property. We have a design consultant at the moment who has created this, again, a concept rendering of what it could be. So, it’s very preliminary at this stage, but the next step in this process would be moving forward with a contract with a design professional to put in an entranceway, parking lot and move forward with the playground.”

Now that the design phase is completed, several options will be available for the public to view. The city will accept any feedback and use that information when crating the final plan for the park. Anyone with questions can reach Dennehy at bdennehy@milford-de.gov or 302-422-6616.