In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jamie Stevens, project manager for Dover's waterfront development, about the significant progress made on the project over recent months. Stevens describes the substantial visual improvements to Nebi Park, including green grass, tree and shrub plantings, sidewalk installations, lighting systems, and the erection of the pavilion building's timber frame structure, which should be weather-tight within a month. The park features multiple distinctive areas designed to connect users with the water, including the Granite Bridge deck area with rustic hand-split granite blocks, an overlook area with an illuminated flagpole and etched city seal, and the Great Lawn sitting area near the pavilion. The understory area offers an urban walkway with a stabilized stone path designed to provide a woodland experience while connecting residents with nature. Stevens highlights the innovative stormwater management systems incorporated throughout the site, featuring approximately six different processes to retain and treat surface water. The project will continue through winter months, with Stevens now transitioning to also manage the Henry Law Park reconstruction project, ensuring seamless coordination between the two initiatives. Both Parker and Stevens express pride in transforming the former recycling center site into what they describe as a game-changing community asset, scheduled for spring 2026 completion. Stevens recently provided a video tour of the site, which can be viewed at https://dovernh.viebit.com/watch?hash=zaq1xQCWYnGGgSC3

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a tragic celebration in November 1856, when Dover Democrats planned a jubilant event atop Garrison Hill to commemorate James Buchanan's presidential election. The centerpiece was a War of 1812 British cannon transported from Portsmouth Shipyard. During the celebration's salute, the cannon fired prematurely, instantly killing shoemaker John Foss and seriously injuring George Clark, who died hours later. The cannon remained on Garrison Hill, fired only once more in 1875, before being moved to the Woodman Museum after repeated vandalism.