Readers: What Wilmo needs to be more fun
We asked and you answered.
After The News Journal published a lighthearted list of fun things Wilmington needs to be more fun, we asked readers for their suggestions.
And we got a bunch.
Once we weeded out the snarky responses ("Less shootings") and the emails that agreed with some of our suggestions (pop-up beer gardens, Wawa, hip-hop festival), we had a good batch of proposals from Wilmingtonians.
8 (fun) things Wilmington needs
And just like The News Journal's list, these recommendations come from informal brainstorming without concern for feasibility.
As it turns out, many of those who responded wanted the same thing, so we'll group together some of the most requested additions to Delaware's biggest city.
Amusement/water park
An amusement park or a water park (indoor or outdoor) was far and away the biggest vote-getter.
"We need an amusement park," writes Janet Basara. "Pittsburgh has a pool/rides/games/food park called Sandcastle Waterpark along their riverfront. It's a destination for families. Wilmington has no place to take the family for the day."
Many others fondly remembered the FunScape amusement park in Brandywine Hundred, which closed years ago. They want it back – and within the city limits.
John Jackson of Wilmington adds, "I suggest we bring back FunScape or a bring in Dave & Busters facility – places where families can play games, eat and hang out all in one spot. I remember growing up and FunScape was the place to be."
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And as Mel Williams writes, a fun-loving amusement park wouldn't just be for children. "I mean some adults like 'em too, me being one."
Retail
Wilmingtonians apparently like to shop, but they don't like having to travel to large-scale, big-name stores.
Scandinavian furniture store IKEA got the most votes, which makes sense because the closest IKEA is 30 miles away in South Philadelphia.
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There is also plenty of demand from readers for a Wilmington Whole Foods. They seem tired of Concord Pike rides into Pennsylvania in search of a shopping experience that the Trolley Square Acme has never come close to delivering.
Among the other retailers that snagged votes: Chick-fil-A, H&M, Target, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle and Cracker Barrel.
Bowling alley
There are few bowling alleys surrounding the city, including AMF Price Lanes in Prices Corner and First State Lanes near Edgemoor, but why not us?
High-end bowling alleys with built-in trendy bars have been popping up in cities across the country. Lucky Strike, which has 19 locations across North America including one on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, got the most mentions.
In responding to suggestions of a bowling alley, Will Minster, Downtown Visions' director of business development, writes that the city has had talks with Lucky Strike. "Was working on Lucky Strike a few years back. Would love to have bowling in Downtown Wilmington," he says.
And many more...
In addition to all those Wilmington wants, here are more requests for a city that has re-branded itself as a place "in the middle of it all."
• Winery
• Pool hall
• Pier
• Light rail
• Independently-owned newspaper
• Mid-sized arena
• Quality, connecting bike and walking trails
• Arcade
What we said Wilmington needs
• Pop-up beer gardens
• A hip-hop festival
• Wawa
• An independent record store
• Eat-in diner or restaurant open past 1 a.m.
• Art house movie theater
• Production brewery
• Amazon same-day delivery
-- Ryan Cormier, The News Journal. Facebook: @ryancormier. Twitter: @ryancormier. Instagram: @ryancormier.