OUR HISTORY

1991
Friends Society of Brandywine Park is born.

Friends Society of Brandywine Park is born.

1992
First Annual Hands Across The Brandywine event is held.

First Annual Hands Across The Brandywine event is held.

1994
Guided Historical Walking Tours begin.

Guided Historical Walking Tours begin.

1996
Jasper Crane Rose Garden begins regular maintenance through the City Park Trust Fund.

Jasper Crane Rose Garden begins regular maintenance through the City Park Trust Fund.

1998

The Wilmington State Parks are formed when the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation begins managing the city-owned Brandywine and Rockford parks, along with Alapocas Run State Park and the H. Fletcher Brown park.

Friends of Wilmington Parks becomes the organization’s new official name.

The Monkey Hill Pavilion undergoes restoration thanks to our collaborative efforts with the Division of Parks and Recreation and the Junior League of Wilmington. The project is completed in 2000.

2000

Brandywine Park’s South Park Drive begins restoration due to high wind damages from a 1999 storm. Native species are replanted and downed trees are removed. The project is completed over several years.

Jasper Crane Rose Garden is renovated with irrigation and 450 roses of 52 varieties are planted.

2001
Rockford Tower Centennial Gala is hosted by the Friends to celebrate the tower's reopening to the public.

Rockford Tower Centennial Gala is hosted by the Friends to celebrate the tower's reopening to the public.

2004
The Historical Bringhurst Fountain is relocated to a new stone terrace by the Jasper Crane Rose Garden.

The Historical Bringhurst Fountain is relocated to a new stone terrace by the Jasper Crane Rose Garden.

2005
Park Historian & Author Susan Mulchahey's book Within the Reach of All, An Illustrated History of Brandywine Park is published by the Friends.

Park Historian & Author Susan Mulchahey's book Within the Reach of All, An Illustrated History of Brandywine Park is published by the Friends.

2006
The All American Rose Selections recognized the Jasper Crane Rose Garden as third best in the nation.

The All American Rose Selections recognized the Jasper Crane Rose Garden as third best in the nation.

2007

The Sugar Bowl Pavilion And Observatory in Brandywine Park is recreated by the Friends, the Delaware Division of Parks & Recreation, the City of Wilmington, and a dedicated group of community volunteers.

2009
The Sugar Bowl Steel is erected.

The Sugar Bowl Steel is erected.

2010

Jasper Crane Rose Garden receives fountain.

Brandywine Festival of the Arts is revived.

2011
The Sugar Bowl receives new additions such as decorative columns, balustrades and electricity.

The Sugar Bowl receives new additions such as decorative columns, balustrades and electricity.

2012
5K Cherry Blossom Walk/Run is revived.

5K Cherry Blossom Walk/Run is revived.

2013
First public event at the Sugar Bowl in over 50 years.

First public event at the Sugar Bowl in over 50 years.

2016
Restoration of the Sugar Bowl is complete.

Restoration of the Sugar Bowl is complete.

WANT TO MAKE HISTORY WITH US?

Join the fun and help the cause!

MEMBERSHIP