Summer at River Common
From looking at the revitalized River Common Park in Wilkes-Barre, it’s hard to tell it’s the 16th oldest park in America. Spanning half a mile along the Susquehanna riverbank, the park is a wonderful resource for all to enjoy in The 570.
“The river is a wonderful resource that connects all our communities,” said Vincent Cotrone, president of the Riverfront Parks Committee. “We’re trying to reconnect people back with the river.”
In an effort to bring more people to the riverfront, the Riverfront Parks Committee and Rivercommon.org have merged. Cotrone said the committee had focused more on parks of the west side of the river such as Kirby and Nesbitt parks, but combining with Rivercommon.org allows them bring events to both sides of the river.
With the merger, the committee hopes to provide a unique recreational experience. Cotrone said he likes to get people on the river, whether it’s in a canoe, a kayak or a raft for an eye-opening look at Luzerne County.
“We get people to explore the Wyoming Valley from the water,” Cotrone said. “A lot of people get a whole new look when they’re on the water.”
The Riverfront Parks Committee will host an event that has grown into an annual tradition in the Wyoming Valley, RiverFest, June 22 to 24. Events will include group trips leading around 500 paddlers down the river.
For those who prefer dry land, there will be plenty to enjoy from the shore. RiverFest will also include children’s events and musical entertainment.
“We know not everybody’s going to venture into a kayak or canoe and paddle, so another piece of it is we’re going to have concerts,” Cotrone said.
RiverFest is just one event the Riverfront Parks Committee is holding this summer. The group is also partnering with the Wyoming Seminary Performing Arts Institute to bring bands to the riverfront, like the jazz group Power of 10. There will also be Yoga on the River Common every other Saturday at 10 a.m. starting June 2.
The Riverfront Parks Committee, which is a non-profit and volunteer-run, relies on volunteers and sponsors to keep these events going.
“We need that help and support,” Cotrone said. “Otherwise — we built this beautiful new park — it might just sit there if we don’t program it.”
To learn more about River Common events, visit riverfrontparks.org.
— kirstin cook