Over the past decade, Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square has made transformative progress through efforts to revitalize and restore the area-but we still have room for improvement!

We would like to build upon the progress made by past and current revitalization efforts, including streetlight and streetscape enhancement projects, the introduction of the Intermodal Transportation Center, business facade improvements, and beautification projects.

One of our target goals for the America’s Best Communities competition is to continue to enhance Public Square in three key areas: (1) by installing wayfinding signage for better navigation of Public Square and the surrounding area, (2) continuing to improve business facades, and (3) further renovating the Public Square to enhance its features and make it more welcoming and park-like.

The nationally and internationally known architectural firm of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson has taken the lead in planning a redesign project for Public Square! Check back next week for an exclusive trailer with Nicholas Snyder, AIA, Senior Associate of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, when he will speak about the firm’s plans for this design project. Watch below to learn more about Public Square’s history, progress, and future.

Thank you to Frontier Communications, DISH Network, CoBank, the Weather Channel, and our local sponsor Scripps Network Interactive for their sponsorship in the America’s Best Communities competition!

“We are fortunate to have these two parks that we can use to conduct these events that draw thousands and thousands of people…  Our programs are more regional in nature. In other words, anyone from up and down the valley can attend, come in to town, see what’s going on, and visit the businesses in town. We are encouraging another look at what is happening in downtown Wilkes-Barre.”- John Maday, Executive Director of the Riverfront Parks Committee, President of the Downtown Business Association

Listen as John Maday explains how the development of the Riverfront Commons has brought the residential, business, and college communities into the downtown. Events like Riverfest, Chalkfest, riverfront concerts, and an annual Easter egg hunt connect the surrounding community to the natural park space of the River Commons.

Come back NEXT Wednesday for our latest full length video about how Greater Wilkes-Barre’s historic architecture, riverfront, colleges, and walkability will be the cornerstones of its enhanced visitor experience.

Thanks to the support of Frontier Communications and our local sponsor Scripps Network Interactive, the City of Wilkes-Barre was recently named a Quarterfinalist in Frontier Communications’ competition designed to identify America’s Best Community.

People who attended Wednesday night’s Chamber dinner were encouraged to check out the chamber’s upgraded website at www.wilkes-barre.org and social media sites.

Chamber CEO Wico Van Genderen displayed a video highlighting the greater Wilkes-Barre area as a great place to live, work and experience and asked others to share it.

“This is a fabulous place we all live in,” he said. “We all need to be really proud of that because it’s really an amazing place.”