America's First Park: River Common (2014) User Reviews

Well-done documentary that makes a strong case for River Common to be a National Monument

[nicknitro7 · 10/10 · 26 February 2014]

If you are a history buff you will love this documentary that details the remarkable history of what is America's First Park, the RiverCommon (which dates back to 1769) . Through historical reenactments, the documentary chronicles 400 years including the battles between Connecticut and Pennsylvania at the site of the Wilkes-Barre park that eventually led to the Constitutional convention and the writing of the Constitution. After watching this documentary one cannot help but wonder why given the RiverCommon's important historic significance it hasn't been given national monument status. It's well-deserved. The film also goes into the RiverCommon's recent revitalization project including the clean up the Susquehanna River and rebuilding of the park that has beautified it and turned it into a popular destination for the local citizenry, tourists and history buffs alike. After seeing this documentary, this history buff plans to visit.

America's First Park: River Common, Where the Common Should be More Common

[rhughes-933-106690 · 10/10 · 25 February 2014]

The documentary on the past history of America's First Park:River Common and the history leading up to the present day use and understanding of what the Common stood for is one that is a story that should be told over and over again in our region's elementary and secondary school systems as a mandatory part of their history or civics lessons. The River Common is far too uncommon to many local residents and visitors to the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley possibly because of it's strong historical legacy surrounding the Agnes Flood of 1972 and the devastation and destruction that the Susquehanna River has presented to the Valley with a Heart time and time again. The River Common should be the focal point located at the center of the heart of our Anthracite Coal Region's Northern Coalfield designated as a National Heritage Area. Battles were fought, lost, and won during the Revolution and during the rebuilding of the Wyoming Valley after the Flood of 1972 and subsequent floods leading to the eventual construction of the Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project. This documentary pieces together the magnificent history and use over time of the River Common and all those who have come to use the area to capitalize on it's natural beauty, rich floodplain soils and river corridor, means of transportation, strategic lookout location, and recreational past-times. Scott captures not only the history of the River Common, he dives right into the environmental problems, restoration efforts, the massive levee-raising undertaken, local politics, and promotion of the area by many recreational users for multiple purposes to benefit the Greater Wilkes-Barre area at large. Plenty of famous names and faces to go along with the historic names and faces that are often forgotten about in history. This documentary would be a great compliment to our regional elementary and high school history curriculum to increase the awareness of those students and families that live near the River Common, yet have never been there. It's a must see and documentary that allows the viewer to see history alive!

A Poignant Look Into America's Past

[Momtomattanddj · 10/10 · 10 March 2014]

"America's First Park: River Common" takes the viewer on an incredible journey back into America's history, by looking at how one small public park helped to change the course of history and the decisions made by its founding fathers. The history of the park itself is intriguing and surprising in many ways, but add to that the significant battles, the big names that have visited the park throughout its history and the facts surrounding the River Common being the first public park in America, and you have a documentary that appeals to a wide audience, not just those who live in the area. Through seamless transitions, historic footage, and the honest and fluid voice of Wilbur Fitzgerald, the viewer is taken on a journey and given the facts about a relatively unknown time and place. History is all about fact and in the documentary, facts and proof are given so that the premise is indisputable. While others such as Boston Common claim the title of America's First Park, that honor, in fact, does go to Wilkes-Barre's River Common. The film also delves into the present state and future of the park as well, and interviews with the citizens of Wilkes Barre provide a look into the metamorphosis and possible renaissance of this area. This is a project that every citizen in the area should be proud of. This documentary about a small local park should bring national attention as it is a part of America's legacy.