NEW CASTLE – New Castle County Executive announced today that the Jack A. Markell Trail received a “Best of Delaware” title for Best Bike Trail - Upstate by readers of Delaware Today magazine. The trail was chosen by readers and critics in Delaware Today’s July 2022 issue.
Each year, Delaware Today surveys readers to name “The Best of Delaware.” Awards are granted to businesses, parks, restaurants, museums, and more. The award recipients span the state, chosen by both readers and editors of the magazine. Categories include:
- Best Stops for Shopping & Services
- Top People in Media
- Top Home & Garden Businesses
- Best Fun & Leisure Activities
- Best Food & Drink
- To view the full list of winners, click here.
New Castle County was recently awarded a $820k grant from the Department of Commerce through the Economic Development Administration to make improvements to the southern part of the Jack A. Markell Trail to boost the local tourism industry by bringing new visitors to the city, its businesses, and local attractions. This EDA grant will be matched with $205,700 in local funds and is expected to create 15 jobs and retain 30 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“It’s exciting to know that the Best of Delaware readers share our passion for the Jack A. Markell Trail,” said County Executive Meyer. From the stunning views at sunrise or sunset to the winding paths through Wilmington’s marshland, the JAM is a great place to exercise and to explore places in New Castle County on bike or by foot.”
Winners are celebrated at “The Best of Delaware Party”. This year, the event is being hosted at The Chase Center on the Riverfront on Thursday, July 21st from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The party is attended by over 1,800 guests, benefiting a charity each year. The beneficiary for 2022 is the Wilmington Flower Market, an organization dedicated to providing critical services that have a positive impact in the lives of Delaware’s children. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Jack A. Markell Trail
The Jack A. Markell Trail, named after former Governor Jack Markell, is a shared-use pedestrian and bike path that connects the Wilmington Riverfront and New Castle Battery Park. The seven mile “JAM” trail connects the Wilmington Riverfront with the City of New Castle. The $26 million trail was completed in September 2018 and converted an abandoned freight rail line to be utilized as part of the trail. The trail serves as sections of Delaware’s portion of the East Coast Greenway and September 11th National Memorial Trail, whose founding organizations are Future Trails of Northern Delaware Coalition members.
The trail is a result of partnerships among DelDOT, the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC), Delaware Greenways and New Castle County. It has become a major artery from which other pathways are planned, including connecting to the Corporate Commons area in New Castle and to Newport. Trailhead access can be found in Wilmington at the DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) within the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. The off-road pathway includes only two at-grade road crossings and one on road section through Historic New Castle.
About Delaware Today
For more than 50 years, Delaware Today has been the lifestyle authority in the First State. The publication boasts various awards for thoughtful commentary and full-color design. Delaware Today is a division of Today Media, featuring a website, DelawareToday.com and three weekly e-newsletters covering dining, arts, entertainment, local happenings, health, and more. Delaware Today also hosts several signature events, including Best of Delaware, two Women in Business luncheons, two Bridal Shows, and an Excellence in Nursing event.
Delaware Today is an award-winning regional magazine whose mission is to help people get the most out of living by being the most valued community resource in print, online, and in person.