Nonprofit group to run River Common events

Luzerne County officials are getting ready to appoint members to a nonprofit organization that will handle event programming and fundraising at the $23 million River Common park along the Susquehanna River.

The organization, Luzerne County Tomorrow, was formed so the county funds won’t have to be spent on recreational activities. County officials also believe people and businesses will be more likely to donate to an outside group than government.

The county Flood Protection Authority agreed Tuesday to create a nine-member board to oversee Luzerne County Tomorrow.

The board will include representatives of the county and Wilkes-Barre city, the Riverfront Parks Committee, the Luzerne Foundation, the Diamond City Partnership, the Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry.

Luzerne County Tomorrow will pay the Diamond City Partnership, a downtown revitalization organization, to provide marketing and event/activity management services for the River Common, county officials said.

A River Common Management Committee will also be formed to advise Luzerne County Tomorrow. This committee will include representatives from the arts community, concert production, and Wilkes University and King’s College, the county said.

The county will continue to provide general maintenance of the River Common, and the city will provide routine security services, county officials said.

According to a county release, the Diamond City Partnership is already discussing plans for an annual rowing regatta, fishing tournaments and smaller weekly events, such as “learn-to-dance” and “open-mike” nights.

The authority also discussed parking behind the courthouse during Tuesday’s meeting.

Courthouse employees and visitors have complained about potholes and drainage issues. The rear access road is slated to be realigned and repaved as part of the courthouse restoration project.

These improvements will eliminate all employee parking behind the building, reserving spots for the disabled only.

In the meantime, county commissioners may opt to eliminate some employee parking behind the building so those smoother spaces may be used as an access path.