New $425K Sign Project Welcomes Visitors to Dover

New signs installed around the city of Dover are a big hit.

Margaret Joyce, president of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, said she has been telling everyone who will listen about the city's new sign program.

Joyce explained that on May 3, she first saw the large sign at the rotary as she travelled into the city using Route 155. She described the sign as "classy" and "clean."

"It was probably one of the most magnificent signs I've ever seen, but it still feels like Dover," Joyce said.

Joyce thinks the signs will be helpful to visitors who are new to the Garrison City, and even people who live there.

That was the plan, said Assistant City Manager Christopher Parker.

Parker, who is also the director of planning and strategic initiatives, said on Wednesday morning that they had over 80 signs installed.

As people get closer to downtown, the signs are more descriptive.

The sign at Bellamy Park is a little different than the other park signs because of size constraints, Parker said.

Parker said the wayfinding signs project began in 2015 when a group of stakeholders began discussing how the city should be presented to visitors and new residents.

Due to setbacks in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was delayed until this spring.

Parker said GeoGraph Industries in Harrison, Ohio, secured the bid for the project and because they did both the wayfinding and park signs at the same time, the city of Dover saved money.

The total project cost about $425,000, Parker said.

City Planner Donna Benton said she is happy with the project, which has received many compliments from members of the public.

"What makes me proud is how well received it is in the city," Benton said on Wednesday morning.

Benton said anyone who has any ideas about what else should be included in the sign project can email her at d.benton@dover.nh.gov.

"We would love to get some feedback," Benton said.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @KimberleyHaas.