Researcher(s)
- Taina Schreiber, Landscape Architecture, University of Delaware
- Mirabella Bruno, Landscape Architecture, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Zachery Hammaker, Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
This project focused on the town of Bridgeville, a small agricultural community located in western Sussex County Delaware. Design recommendations were informed by an analysis of Bridgeville’s transportation, stormwater management, environmental systems, community characteristics, and planning policy, along with input from community members and town officials. The analysis highlighted several challenges including economic differences, limited pedestrian connectivity, recurring flooding along the Bridgeville Branch, and limited tree canopy. There are also ongoing pressures for future growth that threaten the town’s agricultural character and community identity. These findings guided project goals focused on celebrating Bridgeville’s small-town identity and improving in areas including connectivity, environmental resilience, sustainable growth, and overall quality of life.
The design concepts prioritized publicly owned land to maximize the potential for future implementation. Streetscape improvements were proposed within the downtown core and around community assets, including schools and the public library, to strengthen pedestrian connectivity. Newly designed public open spaces integrate green infrastructure with recreational amenities to address flooding issues while providing community gathering and outdoor activity opportunities. Planning and policy recommendations complement the physical design proposals by providing long-term strategies for managing future growth while preserving community character. The resulting conceptual designs and planning strategies provide a framework for helping Bridgeville accommodate future growth while reinforcing the town’s identity, strengthening community connections, and increasing resilience to current and future environmental challenges.