Although discussions regarding the creation of a department in Milford began in 1974, Milford Parks and Recreation was officially made a city department in 1976. This marks the 50th anniversary of the department, an anniversary recognized by Milford City Council on Monday, July 27. During the public comment portion of the meeting, former director Gary Emory spoke to council.
“I’m here tonight to make a few brief comments,” Emory said. “I was an employee of Milford Parks and Recreation from 1978 to April 2015 and served as director from May 1981 until my retirement in 2015, some 35 years. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Parks and Recreation Department. On Friday, September 18, we would like to celebrate and recognize those individuals and agencies, including past friends, volunteers and employees who have contributed to the overall success of the department.”
Emory continued, stating that this would also be a celebration of individuals who were no longer living.
“We want to commemorate those individuals and that is key,” Emory said. “In closing, I would like to thank the city manager. It is nice to finally meet you, Mayor Culotta, and the members of city council for supporting this 50th anniversary milestone for Milford Parks and Recreation.”
Mayor Todd Culotta read a proclamation celebrating the department milestone.
“Whereas the City of Milford Parks and Recreation Department was established in 1976 with a mission to enrich the quality of life for residents through safe, inclusive, and well-maintained parks, public spaces, and recreational programs,” Culotta read. “And for five decades, the department has provided essential services that promote physical wellness, mental well-being, community pride, and fellowship for residents of all ages and abilities. And the department’s commitment to recreational programming, environmental stewardship, and preservation of Milford’s natural beauty has strengthened the community, fostered civic engagement, and contributed to the city’s growth and vitality.”
The proclamation continued.
“The Parks and Rec Department led the creation and long-term development of the Mispillion Riverwalk, a multi-phase greenway that traces the banks of the Mispillion River from Silver Lake to Goat Island, providing residents and visitors with scenic pathways, boardwalks, nature trails, and access to diverse ecosystems, and the Mispillion Riverwalk stands today as the largest municipal park in the state of Delaware, representing more than 40 years of planning, restoration, and community investment, and serving as a defining centerpiece of Milford’s downtown revitalization and outdoor recreation opportunities,” Culotta read. “Through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and leaders, including former directors and employees whose vision and hard work laid the foundation for today’s thriving system, the Parks and Recreation Department has continued to evolve and expand its services to meet the needs of a growing community. And the year 2026 marks the department’s 50th anniversary, a milestone recognizing not only decades of service, but the countless memories created in Milford’s parks, trails, sports fields, and community events, including longstanding traditions such as the Freedom Festival.”
Milford Parks and Recreation was created to promote recreational opportunities for residents and to explore better ways to use the Mispillion River as a community asset. In September 1976, David Coyle was hired as Milford’s first full-time Parks and Recreation Director. Under his leadership, programming and developing park facilities expanded. Coyle, a physical education graduate of West Chester State College was provided a salary of $16,500 a year, about $96,500 today.
That same year, Milford was designated a Bicentennial Community when Bicentennial Park was designed and submitted to the federal government for grant funding. The grant program was part of the bicentennial celebration of the United States. Over the years, the park has become the site of festivals, concerts, celebrations and public gatherings.
One of the biggest projects undertaken by Milford Parks and Recreation was the Riverwalk Greenway project. Discussions began regarding an environmental walking trail near the Mispillion as early as 1974. The first step in creating the Riverwalk was the purchase of Goat Island in 1976. Ironically, the first purchase for the Riverwalk became the last piece completed.
From 1988 to 2014, there were 23 separate phases to the Riverwalk project. The phases included Library Square, Memorial Park, pedestrian bridges, boat ramps, trailheads, boardwalks and nature trails. Over $5.3 million was invested in the project over the years, with much of the funding from state and federal grants.
Today, Goat Island is the site of the Gary L. Emory Nature Trail, an educational loop on the island named for Emory who was instrumental in the completion of the Riverwalk project. Today, Milford Parks and Recreation is led by Brad Dennehy, who is continuing Emory’s mission of increasing greenspace, parks and recreational opportunities in Milford.
