New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon and New Castle County Council President Christopher Bullock both said they looked forward to the return of the popular family event Sleep Under the Stars this weekend at majestic Rockwood Park.
Sleep Under the Stars was last held in the fall of 2008, but Gordon reinstated the camping and recreational event as one of his priorities since returning to office in November – namely the restoration of family-centered, recreational activities at county parks maintained with taxpayer dollars.
“It was important to me to bring back Sleep Under the Stars,” Gordon said. “If you look at our history, it’s always been our job in New Castle County to provide programs to the citizens of the county. We kind of got out of that and into a tax and spend mode.”
Bullock said Sleep Under the Stars was “a welcome blast from the past” that would kick off the summer in a positive way. He commended the County Executive for bringing it back.
“So many families enjoyed it years ago,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to do something positive. It exposes children to the environment. Most of all, in light of the tough economy and so many negative things going on, its’ important that the county promote and support family friendly and community building events.”
As of Thursday, 730 had registered to camp out at Rockwood, including 327 adults and 403 children, according to New Castle County Department of Community Services officials.
Community Services General Manager Alan Matas said he was excited that the county was able to offer Sleeping Under the Stars once again to county residents during these tough economic times.
“This gives them a chance to get out and enjoy themselves, be with their family and have a great time at no cost to them,” he said. “It’s our hope that everyone can come out and enjoy this event or if they can’t come out then June 15 at Glasgow Park will be our next event.”
IF YOU GO
WHO New Castle County Government
WHAT Sleep Under the Stars
WHERE Rockwood Park, 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809
WHEN 10:30 am to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 1, and until noon Sunday, June 2
INFO All campers must be packed and their sites cleaned by noon on Sunday. Public Safety and Special Services will stay on site through the night. Quiet time begins at 9 p.m. Saturday. Pre-Registration is not required. Activities include but are not limited to crafts, games, hayrides,
public safety demonstrations, grooming demonstrations, demonstrations by the Boy Scouts of Delmarva Council, bonfires and free museum tours at Rockwood.
CONTACT For information, visit www.nccde.org/specialevents
The next Sleep Under the Stars event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday June 15 and noon Sunday, June 16 at Glasgow Park. It will include Father’s Day activities.