THE DOVER DISPATCH
A Free Electronic Newsletter
22nd Edition 6/8/2022
The City of Dover designated Williams Park and Kirkwood Street Park as a “Safe Haven” park this past weekend.
The term derives from the actual definition - “what is a safe haven”?
A safe haven is a place of refuge or security to a persecuted person or group.
The parks represent a place of peace and solitude for victims and survivors of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault; to serve as a place where they are honored for their strength and perseverance and encouraged to come and make new memories as they work through their healing process. Although by having these 2 parks marked as Safe Havens we can expect to see an increase in police patrols in the area, it is more so a place to encourage survivors to go and make new memories and enjoy the peace that being outdoors can bring you.
During the Council Committee of the Whole meeting held on April 12, 2022, Third District Councilwoman, Ms. Tricia Arndt, stated one in four women are abused in their lifetime, and for men, that number is one in six. Ms. Arndt explained that only 28% of victims report their assault to the police. Ms. Arndt stated domestic violence statistics are equally alarming. In Delaware in 2020, over 22,500 domestic violence incidents were reported. Ms. Arndt stated overcoming abuse related trauma is incredibly difficult, and we as a community can acknowledge their pain and support their healing. Parks can be a place of reflection and nature is healing. Ms. Arndt went on to explain the Safe Haven concept sets a stage for future events and the Council Committee of the Whole’s action is one step towards raising awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Councilman At-Large, Mr. Andre Boggerty states, “A Safe Haven initiative, is something that I believe will continue to let our citizens know that they have been heard and Council is acting to be proactive.”
This was a great event that many came out to enjoy and embrace as stories of survival were shared.
There was some confusion stated on the City of Dover’s Park and Recreation social media page when someone asked if this was the same as the “safe haven for dropping off an infant under 14 days old for surrender?” While Delaware is part of the nationally recognized program of “Infant Safe Haven” in Delaware it is called “Safe Arms for Babies”. Do not leave infants/children unattended.
If you or someone you know is contemplating surrendering your infant please go to the Safe Arms for Babies program website which can be found on the State of Delaware’s website at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/chca/dphahsab01.html.
We officially entered Hurricane Season as of June 1, so it is a good time to remind everyone to get your emergency supplies in order!
Be sure to check expiration dates on food, batteries and other supplies.
For an example of what supplies you should have you can click HERE.
As we saw with the tornado in August of 2020, clean up and restoration takes time. It is important for each of us to understand the value of the emergency supply kit and to make necessary plans.
Concerts and Performing Arts
on THE GREEN!
HEY KIDS!
Get your fishing poles ready -
Youth Fishing Derby is scheduled for
June 20th!
Special thanks to the Dover Elks Lodge 1903 who have continually supported this event for many years!
Your Ideas Could Win You $50!
The DDP (Downtown Dover Partnership) has requested we share with you the link for their Downtown Survey - CLICK HERE to answer a quick survey and you will be entered to win a $50 gift card for your participation!
It is a BUSY time of the year for our Parks and Recreation Department!
First I want to give a shout out to the Department, on top of all the normal (busy) programming they run, they are also an important part of our team for many special events and dedications that take place. Their crews are out setting up, showing up and making sure things run without a glitch!
It is wonderful to have such dependable and such genuinely kind people who take a lot of pride in what they bring to the City of Dover.
The Grounds crew not only keep our parks looking great, they do it all over the City!
Thanks for all you do!

To see a FULL list of summer camps and other things to do with your children please go to the Parks and Recreation Department website at

(Click on images to enlarge)

Thank you to U.S. Senators Tom Carper
and Chris Coons (not pictured Lisa Blunt Rochester)
On Friday, May 27, 2022, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons along with officials from the City of Dover announced a $5 million grant to help build a substation at Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park. The substation will power the park offer backup power to the city, and help attract businesses and jobs to Dover. US Senators Carper and Coons as well as Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester were instrumental in aiding Dover get the funding, it is sincerely appreciated!

Pictured are (l to r front row) Councilwoman Dr. Julia Pillsbury, Mayor Robin R. Christiansen, Councilman Andre Boggerty, U.S. Senator Chris Coons,
Councilman Fred Neil
(l to r back row) U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Councilwoman Tricia Arndt, Councilman Gerald Rocha, Councilman David Anderson and
City of Dover Electric Director Paul Waddell.
THIS WEEKEND!
African American Festival at Leg Mall
JUNE 11, 2022
Join us for a long running community event! Started in 1991 there is something for everyone at the African American Festival!
Directly from their website it states, this event is an excellent meeting place for all ethnic groups to exchange cultural and artistic experiences and create a more diversified, tolerant and respectful attitude toward one another. The Festival offers the opportunity for visitors to explore the African and African American culture through vendor exhibits, and high level artistic entertainment in an atmosphere reflecting modern day African Outdoors Marketplaces.
COMIC CON 2022
JUNE 18, 2022
Dover Comic Con is a FREE, family-friendly, indoor/outdoor pop-culture festival with over a hundred vendors, artists & artisans, authors, a cosplay competition, fan groups, pop-culture cars, food trucks, live music, a gaming tournament, and panel discussions throughout the day. It is produced by the Delaware State News with the support of many local businesses, the Dover Public Library, the City of Dover, Dover Federal Credit Union, Dover Electric and P&G Dover Wipes Plant. This event has quickly grown into one of Dover's best-loved community events. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 18, 2022! 
Mayor and Dover City Council
To view the profiles (which includes their contact information) of the Mayor and City Council please click HERE.
Wondering who your representatives are for your district?
Click HERE to download the map of the district to see!
City Hall
15 Loockerman Plaza
Dover, DE, 19901