New Dover Athletics Facility Takes Shape as Committee Finalizes Design Plans

Photo byCity of Dover

DOVER, NH - The Dover High School Athletics Complex Joint Building Committee (JBC) has made significant progress in the development of the new athletics complex at Dover High School, reaching a preliminary consensus on the major design elements of the project. The long-awaited upgrades are set to modernize the aging facilities, enhancing the experience for generations of student-athletes and their families.

The conceptual plan, endorsed by the JBC during its August 26 meeting, includes a comprehensive renovation of Dunaway Field and the track. The project will replace the existing grandstands and lights with modern structures and introduce an enclosed building beneath the new grandstand, which will feature bathrooms, concessions, team rooms, and storage space.

Another key aspect of the plan is the reconstruction of the baseball field, which will be rotated 180 degrees and expanded to include a second multi-purpose field. This addition is designed to accommodate the growing needs of Dover's athletics programs, providing additional space for junior-varsity and middle school teams to play soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey.

“This project is long overdue,” said City Councilor Fergus Cullen, chair of the JBC. “We have a new, modern high school we are proud of and an antiquated athletics facility that is often unplayable. It’s time for Dover to invest in a modern facility that will serve generations of student-athletes and their families.”

The existing Dunaway Field, dating back to the late 1960s, has seen heavy use over the decades, leading to deterioration that has made it one of the least favorable playing fields among Division I schools in New Hampshire. The track, which has not been resurfaced since 2002, is also in dire need of upgrades. The planned renovations are expected to address these issues, providing a much-needed boost to the school’s athletics facilities.

In addition to the field and track improvements, the project includes the construction of a new facilities building to replace the rusting sheds and metal shipping containers currently at the entrance off Bellamy Road. The plan also calls for additional parking spaces, including handicapped-accessible spots, and a new drop-off/pick-up area for parents.

One of the committee's primary goals was to ensure no net loss of playing fields, a goal that has not only been met but exceeded. “This design does better than that,” said City Councilor Linnea Nemeth, a JBC member. “It creatively adds a multi-purpose playing field to support junior-varsity and middle school teams.”

The JBC aims to have the new field ready for play by the fall of 2025. The committee plans to issue a request for qualifications to hire a construction manager, who will be responsible for securing pre-bid pricing for the various components of the plan to prepare a budget. If the City Council and School Board approve the budget, the project could go out to bid later this year, with construction starting as early as next year.

The JBC, created jointly by the School Board and City Council in January 2024, is tasked with researching, investigating, and overseeing the improvements to Dunaway Field, the track, bleachers, lighting, and other related features.

Committee members include Ernie Clark, Ronan O’Doherty, School Board members Michelle Clancy and Craig Flynn, and City Councilors Linnea Nemeth and Fergus Cullen. More information about the committee, including agendas, minutes, and other documents, can be found at Dover's JBC Athletic Complex webpage.

Information for this article was sourced from a post by the City of Dover.