A large crowd gathered today for the groundbreaking of Joplin’s newest park, the Dover Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA). City of Joplin officials, members from the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Convention and Visitors Board joined City staff, community leaders, and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce as the first dirt was turned to begin construction on this biking park.
“This will be an incredible addition to our community. Our citizens have wanted a biking park in Joplin, and we’re excited to get this started. It will help keep people looking for an active lifestyle to stay here and could even draw more biking enthusiasts to our community,” said Mayor Keenan Cortez.
This unique 95-acre park will offer numerous opportunities for cyclists at all skill levels, including a Bicycle Single Track, BMX Pump Track, Children’s Bicycle Playground, and Skills Features and Bridges. This 95-acre park will feature public art in its layout which also offers a shelter for gatherings. Other site improvements include signage, restrooms, lighting, parking lots, and landscaping. Crossland Construction Company Inc. is the contractor for the park, and SWT Design completed the design and engineering plans for Joplin’s newest park. The bike park is expected to open in late 2025/early 2026.
“We’ve heard from our citizens, and they want more family activities and green spaces to enjoy,” said Paul Bloomberg, Parks and Recreation Director. “This park provides features for all ages and all skill levels. It’s an exciting time for Joplin to have a new recreational opportunity like DORA.”
A bike park was included in Joplin Parks and Recreation’s 2021 Master Plan after citizens responded to surveys with great interest in walking and biking trails. DORA was on the Parks and Stormwater Sales Tax project list, which voters renewed in 2021 with 79.5% in favor. In 2023, Joplin received a State Department of Economic Development Local Tourism ARPA grant of $1.5 million to expand the project. As part of a recreational and tourism destination, the $5.8 million park will also be funded with revenues from the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Hotel/Motel tax.
“Biking has grown in popularity, and this will address many of the needs and wants we’ve had in our community,” said Patrick Tuttle, Director of the Visitors Bureau. “With the type of amenities and features this park holds, we can look to host regional bicycle competitions or events. This is a great asset for Joplin.”
Reference:
Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org
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