Dover chamber's State of City to feature Gary Bannon, retiring recreation director

DOVER — The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to its 2024 State of the City presentation, Thursday, March 28, from 8 to 10 a.m. at 121 Broadway.

City Recreation Director Gary S. Bannon will provide an overview of the culture and recreation chapter of Dover’s master plan and discuss the role recreation plays in the city’s development. He will also review why recreation is an integral component of a healthy, sustainable community.

Bannon will retire this spring following a 34-year career with the city. Accomplishments during Bannon’s tenure include the completion of the new 10,700-square-foot skatepark at Guppey Park last fall, the creation of the Dover Adventure Playground at Henry Law Park in 2017, and the expansion of the Dover Ice Arena at the turn of the millennium.

More on Gary Bannon: "We are so fortunate to have so much," retiring recreation director says

Following his keynote address, Bannon will be joined by a group of panelists who will talk about some of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as Dover becomes an increasingly attractive place for both businesses and individuals to locate.

These panelists include Ryan Pope, housing navigator for the city; Thomas A. Toye IV; owner/broker of Arthur Thomas Properties; and Toni Gooch; assistant vice president and commercial relationship manager of Kennebunk Savings Bank.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 8 a.m. for check-in and breakfast. The program will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. The fee is $25 and includes breakfast provided by Great Circle Catering. Visit dovernh.org/sotc for information or to register. The event is underwritten by Eversource and sponsored by Kennebunk Savings Bank.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dover chamber's State of City to feature Gary Bannon