Milford, Del. — Milford City Council has voted 5–3 to move forward with the Deep Branch Park project, ending months of contention and community debate. The decision clears the way for construction on an undeveloped site along Rehoboth Boulevard, located outside city limits. The project, estimated at $3.41 million, will feature a half-mile stone-dust walking trail, nearly eight acres of open space, a multi-age playground, public restrooms, a picnic pavilion, six pickleball courts, three basketball courts, and a 97-space parking lot. Partial funding comes from state grants, which city officials confirmed would have been reallocated had the plan been scrapped.
Council had temporarily paused the project in April to seek more cost clarity and determine the fate of grant funds if the plan was abandoned. While supporters view the project as a valuable public amenity, several nearby residents raised concerns about traffic congestion, public safety, and the park’s isolated location. Mayor Todd Culotta, who voted against the plan, pointed to the park’s location outside city boundaries and its unfunded status as key issues. He stressed that the city lacks the budget to support the project currently and suggested that other, more central sites might better serve the broader community. Though council approval has been granted, the park cannot break ground until it receives clearance from county and state agencies. A formal construction timeline remains pending.
