Townsend Hall East Lawn and Garden
About
The Townsend East Lawn and Garden will create a welcoming entry to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and establish an intentional connection between the UD Botanic Gardens, UDairy Creamery, Cooperative Extension, and the units that serve our campus and broader community.
By transforming a portion of the Townsend Hall parking lot, a space that once divided key campus destinations will be reimagined to improve wayfinding, safety, and accessibility across the college complex. This garden will blend bricked pathways, seating areas, and public amenities with thoughtfully curated plantings that serve as teaching tools and visually compelling displays. Drawing on the expertise of faculty, staff, and extension professionals, the landscape will also demonstrate supportive practices for wildlife and ecological health in a public space. Together, these features will enrich experiential learning, provide faculty with a dynamic teaching environment, and ensure every visitor can meaningfully engage with the Botanic Gardens and our campus resources.
Construction is actively underway, supported by a growing community of generous donors invested in campus and community engagement. Continued philanthropic support remains essential to fully realize the project’s vision and ensure it serves as a lasting resource for all.
Milestone schedule
- Excavation and Sitework – April 2026 through June 2026
- Sitework and Creamery Patio Installation – May through June 2026
- Walkway Additions – June 2026 through September 2026
- Restroom (Comfort Station) Construction – May 2026 through August 2026
- Plantings – October 2026
Please note: Dates and timelines are subject to change and will be revisited regularly to be sure they accurately reflect the construction progress.
More to explore
This project is part of the UD Botanic Gardens, which feature a vibrant living plant collection with more than 3,000 taxa, promoting an understanding and appreciation of plants in the environment.
Watch Now
Townsend East Lawn and Garden: New, iconic greenspace coming to University of Delaware
Link to the Youtube Video Townsend East Lawn and Garden: New, iconic greenspace coming to University of Delaware: youtube.com/watch?v=Th4SGDF9SkM
GivING
You can support the Townsend East Lawn and Garden project with a gift of any amount. Your generosity will help bring this natural space to life and make it accessible to be enjoyed year-round by the campus and our local community. Naming opportunities are available.
For more information, please contact:
Dan Sarkissian, Associate Vice President — College & Programs, Principal Gifts & Corporate
djs@udel.edu | 302-831-4595
Construction Logistics Map
Due to construction, traffic patterns and parking access around Townsend Hall, UDairy Creamery, and the UD Botanic Gardens have changed. View the map and lists below for detailed information.
Grey Lot 2
Most of Grey Lot 2 behind Townsend Hall is closed. 80 parking spaces will remain available on the north side of this lot, behind the north end of Townsend Hall and behind Worrilow Hall.
There is no “thru traffic” on the west side of Grey Lot 2 from the area near Durham Garden/UDairy Creamery to the center of Townsend Hall. This area is restricted to emergency vehicles only. Vehicles cannot drive through this section, but sidewalks remain open for pedestrians.
Red Lot 1
Red Lot 1 will remain open.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking has been relocated to two areas:
• Near the north end of Grey Lot 2, behind the center of Townsend Hall
• South of UDairy Creamery, in front of Fred Rust Ice Arena
South College Avenue access road
The access road along the south side of Townsend Hall now allows right turns only. Vehicles may only turn right into Red Lot 1 in front of Fred Rust Ice Arena.
Roger Martin Lane
Roger Martin Lane remains accessible. Drivers may turn right behind the construction area to reach the open parking area at the north end of Grey Lot 2. This route passes between the UD Botanic Gardens Greenhouse/offices and the Fischer Greenhouse Lab.
Additional closures
The UDairy Creamery front plaza is closed to foot traffic. Visitors should plan to use Roger Martin Lane or Red Lot 1 for access to the Botanic Gardens and allow extra time for parking.
Project Scope
Project Renderings
Frequently asked questions
Campus community
Direct curricular support for CANR’s programs
Opportunities for relaxation between classes, outdoor gathering/class space
Education and interpretation around sustainable design practices
Public community
Encourage visitation, visitors understand how to navigate the site and which areas are accessible
Public education and events (trainings, tours, etc.) through UDBG and extension
Extension opportunities for trainings with Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists
Industry
Industry expos and reciprocal tours with area gardens/businesses
Share living collection materials with production growers
Industry use of extension resources (plant diagnostics, soil samples, general professional knowledge)
Alumni and prospective students
Showcase resources available to students: great resources attract great students
Continuing elevation of CANR’s resources reflects well on alumni in the workforce.
Fosters a deeper sense of connection with alumni coming back to campus as they have greater awareness/remembrance of the resources available.
The new area will give cues about how visitors should navigate the space, along with an explanation of the resources available.
Areas where vehicular and pedestrian traffic intersect will be amended to improve safety and accessibility.
Submit a Comment
Comments on the Townsend East Lawn and Garden Project can be submitted using the form below or emailed directly to townsendeast@udel.edu.