In 2023, Dover Township and Dover Borough completed a Joint Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan (Rec Plan). The Rec Plan set six different goals with many recommendations for each goal.
- Renewal and Investment
- Recreation for All
- Recreation Program Expansion
- Relationship and Capacity Building
- Identity and Awareness
- Connected Community
The Rec Plan serves as a guide for the next 10 years of development of Recreation in the Dover Community.
In 2025, Dover Recreation has set the following goals:
Recommendation 3.1 – Expand and Diversify Recreation Programming
- With the creation of the new Recreation Program Coordinator position, this will allow for additional time to be spent on creating new programming.
Recommendation 4.1 – Formalize the Provision of Joint Parks & Recreation Services in Dover Borough and Dover Township
- Finalize this process in connection with 4.2/4.5
Recommendation 4.7 – Continue to Seek Outside Funding
- Research additional/different grant options for projects and programming. Reach out for sponsorships to Dover businesses and other businesses outside the Dover area.
Recommendation 4.8 – Develop a Parks & Recreation Volunteer Program
- Work to develop a volunteer program that meets regularly. If joint rec services are finalized, volunteering will be a part of the meeting agenda for the new rec board.
Recommendation 5.1 – Brand Parks & Recreation Services as a Cohesive System
- New branding is forthcoming with the name Dover Area Parks & Recreation.
- New Dover Rec swag will be available with the new logo. You can show your support of rec by purchasing some of the items.
Recommendation 5.2 – Prepare & Distribute an Annual Report
- The Recreation Department will put together an annual report that summarizes the 2025 year. This report will be presented to the leadership from the Borough and the Township.
Recommendation 5.3 – Implement Inexpensive Marketing Tools
- Dover Rec will be exploring new ways to increase awareness of upcoming programming.
Recommendation 6.3 – Develop Trails in Existing Parks
- Work with the Facilities Superintendent to determine where additional trails could be added in Brookside Park, Hadley Park, Edgewood Park, Mayfield Park, etc.