Dover committee to host Athletics Reconstruction Project listening session June 11

posted on: 6/7/2024

Planning for the renovation and reconstruction of Dover High’s Dunaway Field and track is underway.

The Joint Building Committee overseeing the project is hosting a Community Listening Session on Tuesday, June 11 starting at 5:30 p.m. in the McConnell Center’s basement cafeteria.

The committee is tasked with rebuilding the high school’s track and main competition field, which dates to the old high school’s construction nearly 50 years ago. The renovation of Dunaway Field was included in the original scope of work for the new high school, but the project was deferred.

The purpose of the listening session is to gather input from the community about what people would like to see in a new facility. In addition to replacing the track and main competition field, the committee expects to recommend new grandstands and modern lighting.

Open questions in this stage of the planning process include whether the new playing surface should be synthetic turf or natural grass; whether relocating and renovating the baseball field needs to be part of the project; whether a building with bathrooms, concessions, and storage is needed; and how to improve vehicle and pedestrian flow.

The committee is working to have a project ready for bid this fall, with construction starting in the winter or spring of 2025. The committee's goal is to have a field ready for play in August, 2025.

Public comment is expected to be limited to two or three minutes, depending on the number of people who attend. Comment may also be submitted to the committee in writing via email to committee chair, City Councilor Fergus Cullen, at f.cullen@dover.nh.gov.

Members of the Joint Building Committee are School Board representatives Michelle Clancy and Craig Flynn; City Council representatives Linnea Nemeth and Cullen; and community members Ernie Clark and Ronan O’Doherty.