Dover High School breaks ground on Athletic Complex overhaul

posted on 12/5/2025

City and school officials, students and community members gathered Wednesday, Dec. 3, to break ground on the overhaul of the Dover High School Athletic Complex.

The ceremony at Dunaway Field marked the official start of construction on the more than $18 million project, which includes replacing the track, reconfiguring fields, and building a new synthetic turf baseball and multi-sport field. Work is expected to continue through winter, with the goal of opening at least part of the complex for fall 2026 sports, officials said. 

Joint Building Committee Chair and City Councilor Fergus Cullen opened the ceremony by emphasizing the value of athletics and youth programs.

“A lot of the adults here would point to a teacher or a coach who played that role in their lives, and so it's appropriate we're here at a school to get this athletic field going and underway with this official groundbreaking,” Cullen said. 

Cullen also recognized the work of committee members and project partners, noting their efforts allowed construction to begin before winter conditions set in. “They have really delivered on behalf of our community,” he said.

Superintendent Christine Boston told the crowd the project represents a significant step forward for Dover.

“Today marks a really exciting milestone for our district and our community,” Boston said. “We're here not to just to break ground on a new field complex, but to lay the foundation for opportunities that will inspire generations of students. This project represents more than bricks, turf and trampolines. It symbolizes our commitment to excellence, teamwork and the well-being of every student.” 

Outgoing Mayor Robert Carrier, participating in one of his final official events, reflected on the decade of planning and construction that began with the new high school, completed in 2018.

“This really touches the heart,” Carrier said. He recalled the original vision for a new track and field that could not be completed at the time due to cost. “We’ve got phenomenal support in this city. It's incredible. And now let's get it done.” 

Students, school leaders, city officials, construction officials and Joint Building Committee members each took ceremonial turns moving dirt, officially beginning the next phase of construction.

Demolition of the existing grandstands and concessions building began prior to the ceremony, with site work scheduled to continue through the winter, according to the committee.