Dover Township pitches shared‑use plan to Dover Area School District
Summary
Township parks officials and a Michael Baker International consultant proposed intergovernmental agreements and incremental steps to open school gyms, fields and classrooms after hours for camps, childcare, enrichment and adult programs; presenters recommended surveys, memoranda of understanding and a limited pilot to avoid duplicating existing youth sports.
Dover Township Parks & Recreation and consultant Tanya Brown of Michael Baker International presented a proposal to the Dover Area School District board on shared use of school facilities that would expand after‑school and summer programming while aiming to be cost‑neutral to the district.
The presentation, delivered at the board’s planning meeting, said the rec plan follows the district comprehensive plan and would let the township and borough use designated gyms, classrooms and fields after instructional hours for programs ranging from preschool and summer camp to adult education and tutoring. "We're not asking for keys to the castle," Brown said, describing facility agreements and supervision expectations that would protect school programming and property.
Why it matters: presenters argued shared use can increase affordable options for families, boost student wellness and create a single hub for recreation communications. The consultant cited a survey finding that 96% of respondents thought the township, borough and school district should coordinate recreation services.
How it would work: presenters proposed starting with limited steps — a memorandum of understanding for one or two spaces this summer or a longer intergovernmental agreement for sustained collaboration — and advised using committee formats and solicitor review to draft liability, pricing and exit clauses. Brown described revenue arrangements she has seen elsewhere, including a childcare model in which program income offsets costs and returns a portion of revenue to the district.
Board questions focused on duplication with existing youth leagues, custodial and supervision logistics, and publicity. A number of board members and the township manager supported an incremental approach: survey parents to identify highest needs (childcare vs. summer literacy or camps), pilot a few programs, and expand based on results. The board was told Shelly Harris, parks and recreation director, will be the district point of contact for follow‑up details.
What’s next: presenters offered draft agreements, white papers and a template MOU for the board and solicitor to review; no formal vote was taken at the planning meeting and any adoption would come back to the board at a future agenda.
