The Dover Veterans Park was dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, in a ceremony at the Locust Street site. The well-attended service was conducted by the City in recognition of Veterans Day and creation of the newly opened park.
The park’s circular brick and granite plaza is aligned with Dover City Hall and the McConnell Center, which are adjacent to the site. The plaza is designed to accommodate intimate gatherings as well as large events and services. Five granite monuments commemorate the five branches of the military with cast bronze plaques, as well as engravings of each branch’s motto and date of formation. Seven paver stones are placed to recognize US reserve and guard units. Etched paver bricks denote the names of service members, honoring dead and living veterans.
Two seat walls made of honed granite embrace the circular plaza, engraved with a dedication from the City. The center plaza stone is engraved with the City seal, under which there is a time-capsule vault. A time-capsule will be placed there in 2023 for the City’s 400th anniversary and unveiled in 2123. The entire park space is ADA accessible and includes several seating areas alongside benches accommodating those ambulating in wheelchairs.
Ironwood Design Group was honored to finalize the park design with City stakeholders, and collaborate with Rye Beach Landscaping personnel who installed the design and Swenson Granite staff who created the granite architectural pieces.
While Ironwood landscape architects have designed memorial parks before (Maxfield Library, Garden of Peace), this Dover project was unique in that it was created for the enjoyment of living service members but also commemorates those who died serving their country.