June 1 – The public can view conceptual plans for the Dover Outdoor Recreation Area to be built on Joplin’s north side during a public meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursday, June 6 at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum, 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave .
This 100-acre park south of Zora Street and east of Lone Elm Road offers biking activities for all ages and skill levels.
Joplin Parks and recreation The staff, along with other city staff and community stakeholders, met with SWT Design of Kansas City, the consultant for this project, to gather ideas and input. Plans include a BMX-style pump track, a children’s bike playground and single-track mountain bike trails.
The park will also include restrooms, lighting and spaces for community events. SWT also collaborated with the International Mountain Bike Association on the design.
“With the topography and location of this park, we looked at the best use of the natural features it offers,” Paul Bloomberg, director of Joplin Parks and Recreation, said in a statement. “There are some exciting elements that this park will have because of the natural environment that we want to use in the design.”
During the come-and-go meeting, citizens can view the first plans and give their opinion about the features and layout of this new park.
Those unable to attend and would like to discuss the project can contact Bloomberg at 417-624-0820, ext. 1504, or email pbloomberg@joplinmo.org.
In April 2023, Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced that the Dover Outdoor Recreation Area would receive $1.44 million through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program.
DORA was initially presented to voters as a project within the campaign for the parks and stormwater sales tax renewal campaign in August 2021. Grant funding will offset some of the costs, and the city will contribute approximately $1.7 million .
West Soccer Field Road will be improved as access to DORA.
