Mini Golf Returns to Wilmington’s Riverfront

Rise and shine, 302—woodpeckers have super long tongues that wrap around their brains. It’s not just weird—it’s genius. That tongue acts like a built-in cushion, keeping their brains safe while they slam their heads into trees up to 20 times a second.

Your 302 Rundown:

• UD appoints new interim president

• Riverwalk Mini Golf reopens for the season

• Fresh faces leading your favorite state parks

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

👩‍🎓 UD’s New Interim President

Big news from the Green! Provost Laura Carlson has been named interim president of the University of Delaware, stepping in as Dennis Assanis transitions out. Carlson, who joined UD in 2022 from Notre Dame, has been a steady hand as provost and is now steering the ship while the Board searches for a permanent replacement.

She’s known for her open-door style and focus on academic excellence — a familiar face for faculty and students alike.

🌳 Rodney Reservoir Park: Coming Soon!

After a long wait and some weather hiccups, Wilmington’s Rodney Reservoir Park is finally set to open in late August. The Hilltop neighborhood gem, closed since 2003, will soon feature walking trails, playgrounds, and city views from its elevated perch. A community garden is also in the works, with plots expected to be ready by spring 2026 — and yes, there’s already a waitlist.

From eyesore to oasis — this one’s been a long time coming.

🚌 DART to the Beach

DART’s Beach Bus service kicks off Monday, May 20, running daily through September 8. Routes cover Rehoboth, Lewes, Dewey, Bethany, Fenwick, and even Ocean City, MD. All buses are ADA-accessible and equipped with bike racks.

Route 305, the “Beach Connection,” resumes weekend and holiday service starting Saturday, May 24, with adjusted departure times: the last Saturday trip from Wilmington now leaves at 3 PM, and the return from Lewes at 6 PM.

IN BUSINESS

⛳ Let the mini golf season begin!

Riverwalk Mini Golf is officially reopening this Saturday from 12–7 PM, and it’s shaping up to be a hole-in-one kind of day. The course is beautifully landscaped, fun for all skill levels, and perched right along the scenic Christina River.

Between putts, treat yourself to ice cream (yes, multiple flavors!) or hop on a surrey bike for a breezy riverside ride. It’s family-friendly, date-friendly, and basically the perfect excuse to get outside.

Bring your crew and kick off the season with something sweet and a little competitive.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

Wilmington Street Food Festival. Taste your way through Wilmington with dozens of food vendors offering everything from savory snacks to sweet treats, all served street-fair style. Two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park.

Wilmington Grand Prix. One of the nation’s top cycling events returns with three days of races, a street festival, and family fun. Catch the action-packed Monkey Hill Time Trial on Friday and the Men’s and Women’s Pro races downtown on Saturday.

Bellefonte Arts Festival. Local artists, live music, food trucks, and kids' activities take over Bellefonte for this beloved neighborhood celebration. 10 AM–5 PM Saturday along Brandywine Boulevard.

A Day in Old New Castle. Step back in time at the 100th anniversary of America’s longest-running house and garden tour, featuring historic home tours, colonial reenactments, and a tall ship visit. 10 AM–5 PM Saturday throughout Historic New Castle.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🌿 New faces at your favorite parks

Three Delaware state parks just got new leadership, and they’re names to know if you spend weekends under the trees. Mathew Smith is heading up Brandywine Creek, Robert Brokus takes over at Bellevue and Fox Point, and Kathleen Crane is now in charge at Killens Pond.

They’re not rookies — each one worked their way up in DNREC and knows these parks like the back of their hand. Translation: they’re ready to spruce things up and keep your favorite outdoor escapes running smoothly.

Expect some fresh energy and TLC next time you’re hiking, biking, or just soaking up the views.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Friday
80 🌡️ 64 | ⛈️ | 69% | 💨 SSW 8 mph (7 knots)

Saturday
85 🌡️ 60 | ⛅ | 24% | 💨 WSW 14 mph (12 knots)

Sunday
74 🌡️ 57 | ⛅ | 7% | 💨 WNW 18 mph (16 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 59.4ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

LIVE MUSIC

Friday

• Bar XIII | Live Band Karaoke, Gone Wild with It’s All Good! | 9:00 PM

• Catherine Rooney’s | Benny & Shawn Preston | 6—9 PM

• Catherine Rooney’s | Turning the Tide | 10 PM — 1 AM

• Chancery Market | Mike Dieleuterio | 5:30—7:30 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Joe Daphne | 4—7 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Lost in Paris | 7—11 PM

• Chuck Lager | Generation Gap | 6—9 PM

• Crabby Dick’s Delaware City | Grey Fox Band | 7—10 PM

• Deer Park Tavern | DJ Double E | 10:00 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | DJ Diamond Kuts | 7:00 PM

• Finnegan’s Pub | Seven Rings | 6—9 PM

• Hummingbird to Mars | Johnny Never Blues | 9 PM — 12 AM

• Kelly’s Logan House | The Full Carbon Get Up | 9:30 PM — Closing

• Kelly’s Logan House | DJ B-Lee | 10 PM — Closing

• Kennett Flash | Highway Run: A Tribute to the Music of Journey & the Women in Rock | Doors: 7 PM // Show: 8 PM

• Klondike Kate’s | DJ Amaze | 10 PM — 1 AM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Randy Barnett | 6—9 PM

• The Creamery Kennett Square | Brandywine Riders | 7—10 PM

• The Queen | Gretchen Emery Band Album Release Party | 8:00 PM

• The Reef Seafood & Steak | 440 | 8:00 PM

• Tonic Seafood & Steak | AJ Jesson | 8—11 PM

• Zollie’s | Kick Off The Weekend at Zollies Live Jazz | 6:30—9 PM

Saturday

• Argilla Brewing Co | Pinwheel w/ Wings a Mile Long | 7—10 PM

• Bar XIII | Schism TOOL Tribute with Negative Creeps Nirvana Tribute | 8:00 PM

• Catherine Rooney’s | Audio Files | 10 PM — 1 AM

• Chancery Market | Braeden Means Duo | 7—9 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Bleech | 1—6 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | More More More | 7—11 PM

• Chuck Lager | Brian Turner | 6—9 PM

• Crabby Dick’s Delaware City | Del Soul | 7—10 PM

• Deer Park Tavern | DJ Joey G. | 10:00 PM

• Finnegan’s Pub | Dickens & Ballsworth | 8—10 PM

• Grain KSQ | J.D. Webb | 8—11 PM

• Grain on Main | Roy Voshell | 8—11 PM

• Hummingbird to Mars | Miss K & The Hot Notes | 9 PM — 12 AM

• Kelly’s Logan House | DJ Willoughby | 10 PM — Closing

• Kennett Flash | Three Ton (with special guest RJD Band) | Doors: 6 PM // Show: 7 PM

• Klondike Kate’s | bump n thump | 10 PM — 1 AM

• Limestone BBQ and Bourbon | Jimmy Pritchard Band | 7—9 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Nothin But Trouble | 6—9 PM

• The Creamery Kennett Square | Swamp Ash | 7—10 PM

• The Reef Seafood & Steak | The Boomers | 8:00 PM

• Tonic Seafood & Steak | Dueling Pianos | 8—11 PM

• Zollie’s | Saturday Jazz at Zollies | 6:30—9 PM

Sunday

• Catherine Rooney’s | The Quietmen | 4—7 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Vertigo Breeze | 12—4 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | July Moon | 4—8 PM

• Chuck Lager | John Rogers & Augie Parodi | 4—6 PM

• Crabby Dick’s Delaware City | Rick and Connie Duo | 1—4 PM

• Deer Park Tavern | Jeff Kessler | 9:30 AM — 12:30 PM

• Kennett Flash | Dale Melton Trio with Same Nobles & Jonathan Whitney | 6:00 PM

• Trolley Tap House | Trolley Tap House Live Band Karaoke | Sign up: 9 PM // Music 10 PM — 1 AM

Got a live show or event I missed? Just hit reply and let me know!

APPRECIATE YA!

Thanks for reading — if this newsletter were a secret, it’d be the fun kind to spill. Go ahead, start spilling.