Update: Grove Park Closure

August 11, 2026

Grove Park Update:

Yesterday afternoon, a group consisting of the Urban Coordinator with the DE Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Urban Forester Outreach Coordinator and reps from the Department of Agriculture visited Grove Park at the request of representatives from the Environmental Advisory Committee to assess the park’s trees.

The team identified five trees for immediate removal. This prompted the Farmers’ Market to cancel their market today and to look for other options moving forward this season.  

The City did not learn of this until last night and spent today seeking more information. In the meantime, once the Farmers’ Market was closed and we were made aware of the concerns, we could not in good conscience keep the park open, even if there was no imminent danger. It took a bit of time to coordinate the closure, but now Grove Park has been closed, and we asked people to respect this rule and not use the park.

These reports differ from previous reports on the tree canopy, so were as surprised as anyone else. We understand the disappointment it has caused, not only for the Farmers’ Market vendors and attendees, but for parkgoers.

Out of an abundance of caution, Grove Park will remain closed until further notice. Today, the City met with Pat Coluzzi, Founder & Manager of the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, and recommended that the Farmers’ Market be held in the Convention Center Parking Lot until further notice.

In the meantime, City Arborist Mike Lilly will be meeting with a representative from SavATree and DE Forest Service for a Level 2 Tree Assessment for the affected trees as soon as possible. Grove Park will remain closed until we have a report from that assessment.

NOTE: The Summer Rec program will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum patio along the Canal.