In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with project manager Jamie Stevens about the long-awaited completion of Dover's waterfront development, including Nebi Park, the rebuilt River Street, Seaport Way, and Payne Street. Three years after the June 2023 groundbreaking, the three-acre park is nearing the finish line ahead of a ribbon cutting on July 14. Stevens walks through the final push of work: detailed concrete paver areas around the pavilion, the Makem Bridge approach, and the flagpole overlook; ornamental fencing; and installation of park benches, including three swing benches out on the point. He notes the restoration of the shoreline to its original point. Plantings are roughly 90 percent complete, with final street trees and paving near Building F at 40 River St. held back until the private developer finishes construction. Stevens explains the project's stormwater management systems, which filter sediment and pollution before water reaches the river, and describes street and park elements designed to blend with downtown and Silver Street while introducing newer features like modular platform benches. He and Parker emphasize how early decisions, especially pre-ordering benches, pavers, and trees in the project's infancy, helped avoid cost overruns and keep the project under budget. Public art includes the "River Roots" sculpture and three rotating display bases along the Riverwalk. The paddle sports dock and a kayak and canoe rental vendor will be ready shortly after the park opens following the July 4th holiday.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at June 1855, when Dover took the pivotal step of transitioning from a town to a city. After town meetings grew unwieldy in the busy, industrial community, voters narrowly approved a city charter by just 44 votes.