With several ongoing building projects along Main Street and other parts of Newark, it’s often difficult to keep track of all of the changes in the busy college town.
We’re tracking everything from an old-school arcade to places to play pickleball, sand volleyball or grow tomatoes. Here’s what we know so far.
Main street’s new arcade
Funtivity Newark is planned for 141 East Main Street in the former bike repair shop next to Starbucks.
It will feature classic arcade games such as crane machines and basketball games as well as skee-ball, air hockey and water gun games. A snack bar may also be included.
The arcade will be alcohol-free to appeal to people of all ages. Construction could begin in the next few weeks, and the company hopes to open its doors by early summer.
“In a city where much of the entertainment and dining is driven by alcohol sales and consumption, simple, innocent fun would be a welcome diversion and option,” said Servet Tosum, president of Serhat Inc., which is bringing the arcade to Newark.
Old Paper Mill Road Park
Plans are progressing for a new city park near the Newark Reservoir near Paper Mill and Old Paper Mill roads.
The $1.4 million project would be paid for with American Recovery Plan Act money and include:
- a multi-purpose grass field that can be used for sports leagues
- courts for sand volleyball
- pickleball and basketball courts
- a trail connecting to nearby parks
- an open area with a pavilion for concerts and other events
The city has been collecting public comments on the proposed park, which has been on the drawing board since 2011.
Construction plans will be revealed between March and June, with work likely to begin in the fall and be completed by the spring of next year.
Dickey Park Community Garden
Dickey Park Community Garden at 60 Madison Drive in College Park is scheduled to open on March 1.
The garden will consist of 20 raised garden beds protected by a locked fence which gardeners will have keys to.
Newark residents can purchase a plot to grow their own food for $42 per year. Out-of-towners can purchase a plot for $57. There will also be an annual maintenance deposit of $35 for all plots.
The garden is being paid for by the Newark Conservation Advisory Commission at a cost of $55,000.
New apartment building proposed for Old Barksdale Road
A 5-story, 54-unit apartment building is being planned at 532 and 540 Old Barksdale Road behind the 7-11 on South Main Street.
The site currently houses office and storage space for an HVAC contracting company adjacent to a railroad track.
The project will require rezoning and has already been approved by the Newark planning commission. Public comments will be heard at a Feb. 27 meeting.
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Contact Molly McVety at mmcvety@delawareonline.com
