RF Mayor Alison Page

I’ve been thinking about the word “community” lately and what it means. River Falls is a “city,” of course; clearly defined by its geographical boundaries, and the infrastructure and services it provides. But when we say River Falls is a “community,” what do we mean?

The concept of “community” goes well beyond the definition of “city.” A “community” is defined as a group of people — people who share a common place, or have similar values or goals, or share another commonality. It is a more inclusive term, and may include people who do not live in the City of River Falls but who may work here, go to school here, do business here, shop here, etc. So, when we say, “River Falls is a great community,” what do we mean? What do we want it to mean?

Great communities share some common characteristics. They are places where people have a strong sense of shared purpose that unites them around common goals; places where people actively participate in activities and organizations that enhance social ties. Strong communities are inclusive places where everyone feels welcomed and like they belong. Strong communities have accessible resources, well-maintained infrastructure, and excellent support systems that help people during challenging times.  

River Falls has many of the hallmarks of a strong community, a great base to build upon. We have excellent infrastructure and we are good at creating opportunities and spaces for people to come together. The City, Chamber of Commerce, businesses, schools, and other organizations continually hold events for people to come together and experience community. This summer, for example, the always-popular River Falls Days brought thousands of people who love River Falls to line our streets for the parade and enjoy various activities all weekend long. National Night Out will be celebrated throughout River Falls on Aug. 4, and the city will be hosting our Community Appreciation Event on Aug. 5 at City Hall. Our parks offer endless space for people to gather and enjoy.

On July 15, River Falls was highlighted all day long on Fox 9 as the TV station chose our community for its Town Ball Tour series. This meant the chance to show off our beautiful baseball field and tell the story of the Fighting Fish and what the team and the ballpark mean to River Falls. But it was also a chance to illustrate that it takes a community to make things like this happen, from the River Falls Baseball Council maintaining the field, to the volunteers who work the concession stands on game days, to the families who bring their kids out for a night of free baseball.

But we have more to do; our community continues to grow – and that’s because people want to live in and around River Falls. Some come here to work, some to learn, some to raise a family, and some to grow old. As more people realize that River Falls is a place they’d like to call home, it presents a challenge to expand thoughtfully, while maintaining the character of River Falls that we all value.

As mayor, I will work with key partners and stakeholders within the city and in the surrounding area to build and strengthen our collective sense of community as we face the opportunities and challenges ahead. At the end of the day, community starts and ends with people – good people who make great things happen. People like you.