WILMINGTON – The state-owned parking lot at Bancroft Mills used for accessing the southern portion of Alapocas Run State Park along the Brandywine River will close for public use July 10, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today. The closure is necessary for demolition of nearby abandoned mill buildings and redevelopment of the site, and will remain in effect until further notice.

The pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Brandywine River at the Bancroft Mills property will remain accessible to the public, but park visitors can expect periodic closures for public safety during building demolition.

Alternate parking locations for Alapocas Run are located at the Blue Ball Barn (1914 West Park Drive) and at the I-95 parking lot in Brandywine Park (North Park Drive and Van Buren Street). The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail is accessible from both parking locations. Visitors to Alapocas Run State Park enjoy picturesque views, hiking trails, walking paths and a natural rock climbing wall.

The demolition of the Bancroft Mills buildings is the first phase toward residential redevelopment of property owned by the Buccini/Pollin Group. A new parking lot and enhanced public entrance to Alapocas Run State Park are planned as part of the Rockford Falls development project.

For more information, contact the Alapocas Run State Park Office at 302-577-1164.

Media contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 47, No. 154

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