United Neighbors is BACK on the West 7th Street Bridge on Sunday, October 19th
United Neighbors is an annual celebration that reconnects neighbors across where I-95 divides the West Side of Wilmington. Over the past 7 years, residents, community leaders, and key stakeholders have organized and advocated for improvements along and across the I-95 corridor in Wilmington which include public art in the form of six community-involved murals, better lighting, more green space, and safety interventions. United Neighbors is returning to the original “United/Unidos” mural to update it, share a community meal, and imagine what the space could be in the future.
The 2025 United Neighbors free community meal and event will take place on Sunday, October 19th from 1 to 5pm on the West 7th Street Bridge between North Adams and North Jackson Streets.
The West 7th Street Bridge has recently been closed by DelDOT and the City of Wilmington to vehicular traffic, to demonstrate a broader goal of installing a “cap” or park on top of I-95 to better link divided communities, increase public green spaces, and reduce negative environmental effects of vehicular traffic from the proximity of I-95 to local neighborhoods. United Neighbors aims to activate the West 7th St Bridge and help residents see the full potential of the space.
Sadly, key United Neighbors member and Wilmington community leader Ms. Caren Turner, passed away last year and was honored by Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware by dedicating the Valley Community Garden in West Center City in her name. The United Neighbors group also looks forward to recognizing her legacy during the event, the first after her passing, by inviting community members to share their stories of her, and aspire to her caliber of community leadership and service. A plaque will be installed to permanently honor her great contributions to steering the direction of United Neighbors and her community during her service.
Event Details
United Neighbors Community Celebration 2025
Sunday, October 19th 1:00 - 5:00pm
West 7th Street Bridge between North Adams & North Jackson Streets
While we will have limited seating, bring your own lawn chair to have the best seat in the house!
Update the “United/Unidos” mural on the bridge with local artists - no experience necessary! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free Community Meal at 3PM from local businesses: Coterie Cafe + Kitchen, Dominican Cafe, and La Esperanza Mexican Takeout
Honor the late Ms. Caren Turner’s legacy, leadership, and collaboration with a memorial plaque dedication
Live music with DJ Black Ice, a drum circle, and other music and dance activities
Family friendly activities & resources
Temporary bridge improvements to imagine what a future green park space on the bridge could look like including mums from Bright Spot Farms - take some home after the event!
Share your ideas and feedback for the West 7th Street Bridge, Adams Street, and Jackson Street improvements plus potential I-95 cap
About United Neighbors
United Neighbors was established in 2018 to celebrate the communities bordering I-95, emphasizing their unique experiences, rich history, and impact of I-95, as well as their hope for the future of their community. United Neighbors, with leadership of local artists and residents, has completed six collaborative murals on the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Street Bridges, plus Delaware Avenue, across I-95 between Adams & Jackson Streets. In realizing this event, United Neighbors believes that they will “bridge” the neighborhoods that I-95 divided back when it was constructed.
This event would not be possible without supporters such as M&T Bank, Healthy Communities Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington City Council Members Alexander Hackett and Christian Willauer, Be Ready CDC, City of Wilmington, Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, West Side Grows Together, City of Wilmington, DelDOT, WILMAPCO, Wilmington Police Department, Bright Spot Farms, and numerous residents and community leaders.
For additional information about the event, visit United Neighbors on the web or Facebook, or contact unitedneighbors@westsidegrows.org.
