Press Advisory:
For immediate release
February 9, 2025
Contact:
Barbara Ward
302-367-5768
ward_be_59@comcast.net
Public Meeting on February 12 to Address Controversial Plan to Destroy Folk Park’s Forest and Wetlands
Community urges City of Newark to halt plans and all considerations for baseball and softball fields for Newark Charter School
Newark, DE – Concerned residents, environmental advocates, and community leaders will gather for a public meeting on Wednesday, February 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Aetna Banquet Hall, 410 Ogletown Rd., Newark, DE, to address the proposed destruction of Folk Memorial Parks’ forest and wetlands for the construction of baseball and softball fields for Newark Charter School.
The City of Newark is considering leasing public parkland to Newark Charter School, a move that would clear-cut trees, displace wildlife, and destroy wetlands that play a crucial role in flood prevention and air quality. This controversial plan has sparked strong community opposition, with residents arguing that the project is unnecessary given the availability of underutilized sports fields in the area including Glassgow High School.
The Environmental and Community Cost
Folk Park is a valuable green space that provides critical environmental benefits to Newark residents. If the City allows this project to move forward, it will lead to:
- The loss of a thriving natural ecosystem – The park is home to deer, foxes, birds, butterflies, and essential pollinators that will be permanently lost.
- Increased flooding risks – Wetlands naturally absorb excess rainwater, helping prevent flooding in nearby neighborhoods and into the Christiania River. Their destruction will worsen stormwater issues in the area.
- Declining air quality and rising temperatures – The trees in Folk Park filter pollution, provide cooling shade which is essential in combating urban heat, and store carbon by removing carbon dioxide as they grow to maturity.
A Call for Responsible Land Use
Opponents of the plan argue that Newark Charter School has other options that do not require the destruction of this public green space. Rather than sacrificing valuable parkland, residents urge the City of Newark to explore alternative locations, including the renovation of existing, underutilized sports fields.
“This isn’t just about one park—it’s about setting a precedent for how we treat our publiclands,” said Mike Ingram, a local resident. “Once we allow private interests to take over and destroy public green spaces, where does it stop?”
Retired State Legislator John Kowalko said, “To date, the City of Newark has consistently failed to embrace its responsibility to preserve its natural habitats and wildlife. The plan to allow deforestation of parts of Folk Park ignores the reality that doing so would encroach on wildlife and severely contribute to an already overwhelmed water.”
“Newark Charter is a private organization asking for special consideration to use the public land in Folk Park for commercial purposes with little to no remuneration to the City while placing additional burdens on neighboring properties, infrastructure, services, and the environment. The city should not be considering this request,” stated New Castle County 5th District Councilwoman, Valerie George.
“This is a deeply disturbing and harmful proposal. The year 2024 was our first successful year in Folk Memorial Park for blue bird box nesting in three years. Studies determined bluebirds primarily feed their hatchlings’ the caterpillars found in young trees. The bluebirds depend the upon those caterpillars in those trees which the city and school plan to cut down,” explained George Probst, sponsor of bluebird boxes scattered among seven Newark parks and coordinates of bluebird trails at White Clay Creek State, Carpenter State Park, and the Deerfield Golf course.
“Currently, Newark Charter School home games at Folk Memorial Park limit other visitors’ access. Parking by NCS parents overflows onto a blind curve on Welsh Tract Road. Parents violate handicap parking laws, and limit availability of parking to routine visitors, especially disappointing young children along with their mothers and fathers. The expand parking lot will still be inadequate requiring surround neighbors to request illegally parked cars in their areas towed, with the city and state police ticketing those vehicles. This will create an adversarial relationship between NCS and neighbors,” said Newark resident Barbara Ward.
Public Encouraged to Attend and Speak Out
The upcoming public meeting is an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard and demand that city officials prioritize environmental conservation over private development.
Location: Aetna Banquet Hall, 410 Ogletown Rd, Newark, DE
Date: Wednesday, February 12
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Residents, environmental advocates, and concerned community members are encouraged to attend the meeting, ask questions, and speak out against the destruction of Folk Park.
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