Amenities

Public park with fishing, swimming, drinking water, bathrooms, shore launch, picnic tables.

History

The most iconic spot in the historical town of Dover was the city's sandy beach, which “had long been a beloved place in the community, serving for generations as a swimming hole, picnic spot, baptismal front, gathering place and hiking area,” according to author Ryanne Pilgeram. For the old-timers, the beach and the bluff provided places to fish, have bonfires, and to teach children to swim.

The land was purchased in 1906 by a lumber company, and thereafter, a lumber town sprung up, originally called Welty. In 1910, the town was re-named Dover after nearby Dover Lumber Company. Various mills operated in the area over the years, and many lumber and mill workers lived in Dover.

It was not until 1988 that Dover became an incorporated city. In the early 2000s, locals pressed the city to create public access to Dover beach despite it being private property. In 2005, a large residential project was planned and approved, including this waterfront park, docks, and boat ramp, which the developer donated to the City of Dover.