News Release

DOVER ROTARY CLUB

Contact: Pres. Eliot Lazenby – 740-4600
Date: December 6, 2007

Dover Rotary Club presented a check in the amount of $1,700 to Dover Main Street this week as the first part of a matching grant to support the downtown beautification project.

Named in honor of Dover’s renowned gardener, Joe Parks, the garden will feature rhododendrons and plantings from his extensive six-acre garden. The groundwork has begun to transform the walkways along the Cocheco River running from the Central Avenue Bridge, under the Chestnut Street Bridge and behind Dover Housing Authority’s senior housing complex.

Dover Rotary pledged to support the project, estimated to cost up to $50,000 with matching grant funds of up to $4,000. Thanks to other in-kind donations, volunteer labor the project costs are closer to $12,000.

Dover Rotarians are partnering with Dover Main Street and the City of Dover Community Services to make this garden a reality and preserve a special piece of Dover’s history.

As a service club committed to improving the community, Dover Rotary participated in hands-on activities, fundraising and other downtown beautification projects such as the Rotary Park and Rotary Pavilion. Funds are also used for a “back to school” project, shoe and boots fund for needy families, Santa calling, senior holiday visits and scholarship programs.