09/02/2022
Dover Activity Park
Along with this brief introduction of the advent of this exploration of a project that I feel would positively impact the Town of Dover as well as the greater Deerfield Valley for generations to come, I will present a budget broken into five phases to construct and maintain a public recreation area on Route 100 between what is now the OMT/ Deerfield Valley Real Estate building and the newly renovated 171 Route 100 building. There sits 2 acres of land, sub-divided into two parcels, both LLC’s owned by Rich Kaplan.
My original vision was to find an outdoor space for 4-6 pickleball courts. Pickleball is the fastest growing game in the US played primarily by the baby boomers (I, an ex-tennis professional, have been bitten by the bug) but literally enjoyed by all ages. After tracking down and inspecting every public tennis court in the valley I became aware that not one of them were in any kind of shape to just put down some lines, a net and getting folks out to play. The more I looked at the afore mentioned property my vision changed to include other games, those that would bring out all ages and demographics to come together and participate in a safe space, that if done correctly could be the bright light for our town that not only would give our residents a place to gather and enjoy new and traditional games but also would attract folks from all over New England to enjoy, benefitting local businesses as well. That is how this started. Since then, about 6 weeks ago, I’ve first floated the idea to a select board member, the Dover Economic Development Manager, Eric DeRocher, the Trail and Recreation committee, and Rich Kaplan, the property owner. After getting positive feedback from them, I started sharing this idea with anyone who would listen, and again an overwhelming response of “that would be awesome- it’s about time”. I asked about 12 locals to join me in brainstorming and to also to help me prepare a budget and mapping out the site itself. Our overwhelming feeling about this project is to go big or go home. We’d like everyone’s reaction when they first arrive to be Wow! Then when they leave, we want them to feel, I can’t wait to come back. As visible as the park would be, right on route 100, we feel making a safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing place is extremely important. I came up with the games, many of which at age 66 I had never heard of, by asking young people ages 5-25, what games would make them want to continually want to come back to play. So, when you see games like Kam Jam, Gaga Ball, Spike Ball, Frisknock, and a Pump Track on the list, don’t feel bad for not knowing them if you are over 40 and have no young kids. You can google the You Tube videos to get and idea about them.
As far as how the Town of Dover would acquire the use of this property, Rich has agreed in concept to put in place a long term, 25-50 year lease for 6 months a year, with first right of refusal. As someone who has a history of doing and giving for and to this town and the valley, I trust Rich when he says he will do what it takes to make this work. The attached budget is including a quote to do the landscaping that it will take to transition this space that is now a bit long in the tooth into an amazing interactive space with shade trees, stone walls, benches, and picnic tables, very similar to the Dover Park just north of this. It will also tie in nicely with the proposed project up above on Horace Hill.
After you have time to review the proposed budget, I’m happy to answer any questions.
Sincerely,
Dover resident,
Trip Morse
