New Castle County, Delaware
"The First County in the First State"
County Home > Parks

Your Guide to New Castle County Parks

 Parks Main Page Right Column

With 245 regional, district or neighborhood parks to choose from, there is always a county park nearby. And best of all, they're FREE! So, whether for a brief stroll or an all day affair, go out and have fun in your County parks - They're there for you!

PDF IconClick Here to see a detailed list of County parks and their facilities.
PDF IconClick Here to read the Rules and Regulations for County parks and their facilities.
 
Park Permits
Now is the time to starting thinking about spending a day in a New Castle County park...at a picnic, at a ball game, or at a fundraising event. Call the NCC Permits Office at 302-571-4006 for assistance in choosing the perfect venue.

 
The Permit Office accepts walk in applications at Garfield Park Community Activity Center, 26 Karlyn Drive, New Castle, DE 19720
 
Conflicts with facility dates between early mail-in applications will be resolved by lottery if necessary. New Castle County also reserves the right to issue a "Grandfather Privilege" to any group/organization that provided a noteworthy and successful service/activity for the general community at a county park during the previous year.
 
Forms may also be obtained at any New Castle County library, or picked up at the Garfield Park Community Activity Center, or by calling 302-571-4006 between 8am and 8pm Monday through Thursday, and 9am - 12noon on Saturday.
Thank you for using our facilities in 2009. We look forward to assisting you in the future as you plan your sporting events and other special activities.
 

PDF Icon General Park Permit Application

PDF Icon Special Vending Permit Application

 
To guarantee use of park facilities for your party, reunion, picnic, league game or special event, be sure to get a New Castle County facility permit.
 
If you are having a company picnic, family reunion, or a birthday party, pavilions at Banning, Brandywine Springs, Paper Mill, Weiss, Iron Hill, Woodshaven Kruse or Talley Day parks may be the ideal setting for your gathering. Indoor restrooms and electricity are available at some locations. For guaranteed usage, reservations are necessary.
 

The County also has many athletic fields for softball, baseball, Little League, soccer and football for recreational and league play. Several are lighted for after-dark scheduling. Get your requests in now for 2009 sporting events.
 

PDF Icon Softball Practice Application

PDF Icon Field Sports Tournament Application

PDF Icon Baseball Field Application

PDF Icon Little League Field Application

PDF Icon Football & Soccer Field Application

PDF Icon Lacrosse & Field Hockey Application

 
Additional facilities available through New Castle County for permitting include: tennis, volleyball and basketball courts; and street hockey rinks (leagues/tournaments only). Permits are also needed for dead and downed wood collection, annual food and ice cream vending within the County Parks system, Spring egg hunts, Halloween parades, road races, and walk-a-thons.
 

Permits for all functions/facilities are:
  • Required for groups of 20 or more.
  • Issued on a first-come, first-served basis after application and payment are received.
  • Necessary for organized use of an athletic field.
  • To be submitted at least 48 hours prior to requested date of useage.
A permit application may also be obtained at any New Castle County Library, picked up at the Garfield Park Activity Center,
26 Karlyn Drive, New Castle, or by calling 302 571-4006 between 8am and 8pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9am-12noon
on Saturday.
Relax

Relax under the clean, shaded pavilions as you picnic with family and friends, a gentle breeze stirring. Share a tale and laugh with a family member or friend who you haven't seen for years. Watch the kids clamber on the playground while you relish meeting a new acquaintance or old friend. Escape from your hectic daily routine and feel your stress float gently away: no phones, no clutter, no deadlines. Whether it's a family reunion, a stroll with family and friends or escape from a chaotic world, you can Relax in your County parks.
Explore

Explore the parks through hiking trails that lead you into dense forests, across rambling meadows, past pleasant ponds or around cultured gardens. Let the mud squish between your toes. Lift a rock to watch the scurry of activity by fascinating, yet icky bugs. Imitate the bird calls you hear or identify the myriad smells that abound in nature. Expand your mind while exercising your body as you Explore your County parks.
Learn

Learn about the exciting history of the area as you tour a magnificent gothic estate, rest at the foot of hills where revolutionary troops camped or re-visit the excitement of a turn-of-the-century amusement park as you stroll along its remains. So get off the beaten track or tour with a group, whether it's cultural history or natural history you love, you can Learn about your world in your County parks.
Play

Play at any of our safe and challenging playgrounds, manicured and well-tended athletic fields or miles of exercise and walking trails. Through recreation, kids test their limits and develop their coordination skills. Fill your life with romance as you stroll along lighted victorian trails. Run, walk, bike, sled, ride, paint, draw, photograph? Whatever your preference, reduce your mental and physical stress and come Play in your County parks.
Walking Trails
Banning Loop .9 miles
Bechtel Loop .33 miles
Bonsall Trail 1.0 mile
Carousel Park
PDF IconTrail Guide
13 trails:
6.25 miles total
Delcastle Walk 1.75 miles
Glasgow Regional Park 2.75 miles
Iron Hill Park
PDF IconTrail Guide
Multiple Trails
15 miles total
Middle Run Valley Park
PDF IconTrail Guide
10 trails:
15.76 miles total
Paper Mill Park .8 miles
Rockwood Park
PDF IconTrail Guide
6 trails:
2.65 miles total
Talley Day Park 1.0 mile
Weiss Park 1.6 miles
Programs and Events at Carousel Park During 2009