Mayor Dan Toland and River Falls City Councilmembers will return to city parks this summer with hotdogs and ice cream in tow for the 2023 Mayor’s Cookout Conversations.
The annual event series, which began in 2019, provides community members the opportunity for casual conversation with the City Council, a free meal, and the chance to get to know their neighbors. The Mayor and Council will hold Cookout Conversations at four city parks this summer, with the first scheduled for Thursday, June 29, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Glen Park.
“While we hope that community members feel empowered to approach us at City Council meetings, we know that the formal setting can feel intimidating,” said Mayor Dan Toland. “The Mayor’s Cookout Conversations offer an opportunity to talk to us person-to-person, neighbor-to-neighbor, while we enjoy a good, old-fashioned cookout together.”
While the City’s previous Cookout Conversation events have focused mainly on socializing over food and drink, this year’s cookouts will involve collaboration with the City’s Park and Recreation department to include interactive activities for all ages. Each of the four cookouts will feature a different lineup of activities.
“The Mayor’s Cookout Conversations provide a great opportunity to gather with your neighbors and celebrate summer in a few of our wonderful city parks,” Community Services Director/City Clerk Amy White said. “Bringing in the City’s recreation staff this year will only amp up the fun.”
Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. Veggie dogs will be available as a meat alternative. For more information, visit https://www.rfcity.org/997/Cookout-Conversations.
Please note: This is an informal gathering. There will be no official City business conducted by the Mayor and Council at these events.
2023 Cookout Conversations Schedule:
July 20, 6-7:30 p.m.: Ostness Park (100 N. 2nd St.)
Aug. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.: DeSanctis Park (1625 DeSanctis Pl.)
Sept. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.: Wells Park (250 Kennedy St.)