In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Bill Simons, the city's Parking Manager. They discuss the evolution of paid parking in Dover over the past 25 years, including the rollout of multi-space "master" meters to replace single-head meters 15 years ago and the recent shift to pay-by-plate technology. Simons explains the move to progressive pricing that allows people to stay parked longer while discouraging all-day parking in prime spots. He also talks about the adoption of mobile payment apps to extend time remotely and reduce the need for as many meters. Parker and Simons cover the different parking permit options for residents, commuters, and downtown employees to free up high-demand spaces for downtown visitors and customers. They also touch on coordinating parking needs with local businesses, planning for future development, and the customer-focused approach of Dover's parking enforcement.
In "This Week in Dover History," Mike Gillis describes the opening night festivities of the city's new 1,000-foot toboggan shoot on Garrison Hill in February 1924, which attracted over 3,000 people.
