Governor Matt Meyer joined Wilmington city officials on Monday to break ground on the long-awaited Riverwalk Extension Project, a $28 million initiative that will add 1.5 miles of waterfront trails connecting the Riverfront district to Fox Point State Park.

The project, funded through a combination of state, federal, and city resources, includes a paved multi-use path for walking and cycling, enhanced lighting and safety features, native plantings and ecological restoration along the shoreline, two new public access points with kayak launches, and interpretive signage highlighting the Christina River’s history.

Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027. The project is part of a broader state initiative to improve public access to Delaware’s waterways and promote outdoor recreation.

“This investment connects our neighborhoods to the water and to each other,” said Mayor Purzycki. “The Riverwalk is already one of our most popular assets. This extension will make it even better.”

The existing Riverwalk attracts an estimated 500,000 visitors annually. City planners expect the extension to boost foot traffic to nearby businesses and increase property values in the surrounding neighborhoods.