Help Shape Dover’s Parks, Trails & Community Spaces
The City of Dover is taking a comprehensive look at its parks, trails, open spaces, recreational areas, and community amenities. The Parks Committee will help identify needs, discuss future improvements, establish priorities, and develop a longer-term vision for Dover’s public spaces.
Residents are encouraged to learn more, participate in the discussion, and share ideas for the future of Dover’s parks.
Quick Facts
Parks, Trails & Open Space
The discussion will include all City-owned park properties, trails, open spaces, recreational areas, and community amenities, not just City Beach.
Long-Term Planning
The goal is to develop a coordinated plan for improvements instead of addressing projects only as they arise.
Community Participation
Residents will have opportunities to share ideas, priorities, and suggestions for Dover’s parks and public spaces.
Public Workshop
An open public workshop is planned for the end of September 2026. The date and time will be announced after August 28th.
What Is the Parks Committee?
The Parks Committee provides an opportunity to look at Dover’s parks and recreational spaces as a whole and help guide future planning. The Committee will consider existing facilities, future needs, maintenance requirements, possible improvements, available funding, and community priorities.
The goal is to develop short-, mid-, and long-term priorities that the City can use as funding and opportunities become available.
What Will Be Discussed?
Parks & Recreation Improvements
Potential improvements to existing parks and gathering spaces, including playground areas, recreational opportunities, parking, seating, shade, lighting, signage, and other amenities. Ideas may include a community gazebo, pickleball courts, playground improvements, and other recreational features.
Trails, Open Space & Connectivity
Review of City trails, the Wetland Park, Railroad Trailhead, future connectivity, and opportunities to improve access between community spaces.
Trees & Urban Forestry
Tree planting, care and replacement of existing trees, long-term tree management, and whether Dover should pursue Tree City USA recognition.
Accessibility & Safety
Review of ADA accessibility, parking, pathways, lighting, signage, seating, and other features that can make City parks safer and more accessible.
Maintenance & Replacement Planning
Consideration of not only the cost of new improvements, but also the long-term cost of maintaining and eventually replacing facilities and equipment.
Community Programs & Partnerships
Discussion of programs such as the StoryWalk, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and ways local organizations may be able to assist with improvements.
How Could Park Improvements Be Funded?
One goal of the Parks Committee will be to identify the most appropriate funding source or partnership for different projects. Potential sources and partnerships may include:
- Existing City parks funding
- IDL Urban Forestry Grant funding
- DURA reimbursement where applicable
- TAP Grant funding
- Other state, federal, or private grants
- Community partnerships and volunteer projects
- KLT and other local organizations
- Potential Local Option Tax revenues if approved by voters and if the proposed project is an authorized use
Not every funding source will be appropriate for every project. Part of the planning process will be matching projects with available funding opportunities.
Public Input
We Want to Hear From You
The City would like residents to help identify what matters most for Dover’s parks, trails, and community spaces. Public input will help the Parks Committee understand community priorities as it begins developing a longer-term plan.
Learn More or Get Involved
Email: info@cityofdoveridaho.org
Phone: 208-265-8339
