Brookside is a planned settlement in an unincorporated part of New Castle County, next to the city of Newark. Its development began in 1951; it was founded in 1952 on Marrows Road, north of Chestnut Hill Road. This road is also known as Delaware Route 4. The two years mark different milestones: the start of development and the founding. The original housing and community facilities are also central to the area's history.
Understanding the Historic Settlement
Historically, Brookside included a business street and two places of worship in addition to homes. The park facilities at the time included a swimming pool, playgrounds, ball fields, and a recreation center. The historic layout therefore extends beyond residential buildings: the business street, places of worship, and recreational areas are also part of this picture of the planned settlement.
Homes and Architectural History
The original houses measured 1,000–1,200 square feet, were built on a slab, and had one bathroom and two or three bedrooms. These details bring the early residential architecture to life by describing its area, construction, and layout. Examples of the original houses still stand east of Polly Drummond Hill Road; they were built along Kirkwood Highway at varying costs. Later changes to the owner-occupied homes are also part of the architectural history, particularly alterations to standardized carports, which have been studied by architectural historians.
Church and Community Gatherings
Kingswood United Methodist Church is a Brookside landmark and was built in 1954–1955. It is made of brick and limestone. Its translucent green plastic spire directed a beam of light through the material. Along with its construction dates, the materials and distinctive spire detail are part of Brookside's architectural history.
The church welcomes visitors and lists a Sunday service at 11:00 a.m. If you plan your visit around it, check the service schedule in advance. The Brookside Community Center can be rented by residents and nonresidents for private events, including celebrations, meetings, receptions, and other gatherings. For a specific occasion, check availability directly.
Parks and Trails Nearby
In the wider Brookside area, White Clay Creek State Park offers 3,689 acres of scenic, recreation-friendly open space and almost 40 miles of trails. Newark has more than 19 miles of trails and 36 parks totaling more than 700 acres of parkland in the area around Brookside, including Newark Reservoir. The two descriptions emphasize different features: the state park is noted for its open spaces and trails, while Newark's description also highlights the number of parks and the reservoir as a specific example.
When looking for a vacation rental in Brookside, you can first decide whether the settlement and architectural history or the parks and trails described in the wider area will be the focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: New Castle, Claymont, Bear, Christiana, Brandywine, Delaware City, Newark, Hockessin
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