A New Chapter in Dover Recreation: Merging Boards, Building Community

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rick Mikulis and Heather Twombly about recent changes to Dover's Recreation Advisory Board. They discuss how the board has been restructured to combine three separate entities - the Recreation Board, Arena Commission, and Pool Committee - into one comprehensive board. The consolidation aims to streamline operations, reduce duplication of efforts, and create a more cohesive approach to recreation in Dover. They also discuss the transition from former Recreation Director Gary Bannon to new director Kevin Hebert, noting how Hebert brings fresh energy and ideas while maintaining a strong community focus. The conversation highlights upcoming initiatives, including plans to enhance the annual tree lighting ceremony and the revival of the Heyliger Awards, which recognize community volunteers in sports and recreation. Both guests emphasize the board's openness to new members who have a passion for recreation and community involvement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's 1921 initiative to become a winter recreation destination. Through the formation of a winter sports association led by the Chamber of Commerce and mayor-elect Charles G. Waldron, the city aimed to promote activities like hockey, ski jumping, snowshoeing, and skating. This organized approach marked Dover's early development as a winter recreation hub.