Stroll along the Christina River on the scenic 1.3-mile Wilmington Riverfront, and you'll pass something for every mood and every taste, from open green spaces to IMAX movie screens, from world-class theater to minor-league baseball ... and more than a dozen places to eat. The Wilmington Riverfront has been through a heck of a transformation over the past 25 years. You will be amazed! 

The Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC), the state-funded 501c3 founded to oversee the growth and restoration of Wilmington’s Christina Riverfront, celebrates their 25th anniversary this April. Since beginning their work in April 1996, the RDC has overseen the transformation of the Christina Riverfront from an abandoned shipbuilding community to one of the State of Delaware’s most vibrant and exciting destinations to live, play, and work. Riverfront 25th Anniversary Logo

During the past 25 years, RDC has been focused on creating economic vitality along the Brandywine and Christina Rivers while enhancing the environment, encouraging historic preservation, and increasing public access. Through targeted and leveraged investments, RDC has created employment and residential development while promoting education, the arts, recreation, and tourism. RDC has spearheaded the construction of the Michael S. Purzycki Riverwalk, Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Hare Pavilion, the Chase Center on the Riverfront, and the DuPont Environmental Education Center. It has also participated in the recruitment of numerous businesses - such as AAA Mid-Atlantic, Barclays, and Navient -  and facilitated the construction of new residential units and a multitude of attractions, such as the Delaware Children’s Museum, Riverwalk Mini Golf, the Horizon Riverfront Rink, and Constitution Yards Beer Garden

Now, as the RDC looks ahead to the future, they have set their sights on expanding to the east side of the Christina. With the recent opening of the Senator Margaret Rose Henry Bridge - directly connecting the west and east banks of the Christina - a new RDC project will see the redevelopment of the river’s eastern shore, creating a new network of roads and an extension of the Riverwalk as well as additional green spaces, attractions, businesses, and residences. 

“It was my great fortune for twenty years to be part of a team that had a dream and committed itself to seeing the dream come true,” proclaimed Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki, who served as the RDC’s first Executive Director. “Far too many people to recognize and too many to thank but Megan McGlinchey and Mike Hare deserve special mention. What a wonderful ride!”  

“The RDC and its board is extremely proud of the progress we have made over the last 25 years to reclaim the Christina Riverfront and to create a place where everyone in and around Wilmington is welcome,” said RDC Executive Director, Megan McGlinchey. “We are excited to continue the next phase of development.” 

To learn more about the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware, Riverfront Wilmington, and their current and future projects, visit www.riverfrontwilm25.com, the new web landing page created to mark the anniversary. You can also follow them on Facebook at Friends of Riverfront Wilmington or Instagram, @RiverfrontWilmington.  

Just a Few Things to Do Along Wilmington's Riverfront

Banks Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar

  • 101 S. Market St.

A name recognized for its tradition of fresh ingredients, innovative cuisine and unsurpassed service. That tradition can be found on Riverfront Wilmington at Banks’ Seafood…

Big Fish Grill on The Riverfront

  • 720 Justison St.

Located on the Wilmington Riverfront, Big Fish Grill offers the freshest seafood, juicy hand-cut steaks, savory pastas and delicious salads. Have you tried our Best of Delaware…

Constitution Yards Beer Garden

  • 308 Justison St.

A seasonal beer garden featuring 30,000 sq. ft of outdoor space at Justison Landing, along the Christina Riverwalk. Constitution Yards features classic backyard BBQ fare, an…

Delaware Theatre Company

  • 200 Water St.

Founded in 1979, Delaware’s premier professional theatre produces a mix of classic and contemporary plays and musicals in its intimate Wilmington Riverfront facility, as well as…

Riverwalk Mini Golf

  • 550 Justison St.

Riverwalk Mini Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course located right along the Wilmington Riverwalk! This beautifully landscaped mini golf course was designed by Harris…

River Rock Kitchen

  • Westin Wilmington

River Rock Kitchen features flavorful American fare that is crafted from indigenous, seasonal, and healthful ingredients, served on a variety small and large plates for sharing…

The Delaware Contemporary

  • 200 S. Madison St.

Explore contemporary art and stimulate your creativity with our always-changing, thought-provoking exhibitions, events, and programs! The Delaware Contemporary houses 7…

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