The Fairfield Resilient Action Network (FRAN) is hosting a series of ten free Community Block Parties across Fairfield this summer and fall, bringing neighbors together for games, refreshments, and good company. In case you miss one, two parties will be held in each of the city’s five wards.
The parties, which begin on July 16, run on Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. at neighborhood parks, moving from ward to ward every couple of weeks.
Each gathering pairs simple fun with a chance to connect with neighbors. Alongside lawn games, creativity stations for kids, and free snacks, neighbors can find local resources, from home repair and energy programs to gardening, recycling, and more.
“The whole idea is to give neighbors a reason to meet each other,” said Faith Reeves, FRAN’s director and project manager. “Come for the games and the snacks, meet the folks on your block, and take home whatever is useful to you. No pressure, just a good evening in the park.”
The series follows FRAN’s public launch on July 1. FRAN grew out of the community’s Resilient Action Plan, built by more than 35 volunteers, and is now an independent nonprofit.
The first five parties are:
- July 16, Ward 1, Chautauqua Park
- July 30, Ward 2, WaterWorks Park
- August 6, Ward 4, Howard Park
- August 27, Ward 5, OB Nelson Park
- September 10, Ward 3, Heritage Park
Five more parties will follow in the fall. Every date, location, and update lives on FRAN’s block party page at franiowa.org/party.
FRAN also welcomes community organizations who’d like to host a table and share information with neighbors, and also welcomes residents who would like to help set up, greet participants, or run a game. Sign up at https://franiowa.org/block-volunteer/.
To learn more, attend, table, or volunteer, visit franiowa.org or contact Faith Reeves at faith@franiowa.org.
About FRAN
The Fairfield Resilient Action Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that grew out of Fairfield’s Resilient Action Committee (RAC). The RAC created the Fairfield Resilient Action Plan and FRAN carries that plan forward through community-led projects in local food, housing resources, land and water stewardship, waste reduction, and neighborhood connection. Learn more at franiowa.org.