About the Conservancy

The Rodney Square Conservancy (RSC) began in 2016 as a group of Wilmington residents and local businesses known as Friends of Rodney Square. They shared a commitment to creating a non-profit membership organization that could provide community pride in enhancing the physical condition of the Square and promoting greater use, as well as appreciation of its historic legacy.

Within a year, the group was transformed into the RSC – a non-profit participant representing the private element in a public-private partnership with local and state governments. Its purpose remained unchanged – the restoration and improvement of the Square in the interest of civic pride and recognition of this public space as the civic heart of Wilmington.

Today, the RSC is spearheading the Rodney Square Works project, a multi-million dollar renovation that broke ground on September 9, 2019. The multi-phased endeavor includes a major aesthetic and infrastructure overhaul as well as the correction of deferred maintenance issues.

The first set of renovations completed in 2019 included new features; new masonry and paving; upgraded benches and tables; more trees, shrubs, and lawn; and a splash fountain that has brought the sights and sounds of children playing to the park.

The second phase of the project, beginning in August 2022, will include renovating the streetscapes along 10th, 11th, and Market streets, installing more new plantings and seating opportunities, and restoring the historic masonry and side fountains.