My Own Downtown - Allison Volcic
Allison works for the City of Rock Springs in the Parks & Recreation Department. She left Rock Springs for college and lived in other places for about 10 years before moving back. She has lived in Rock Springs for over 35 years. Some of her hobbies include reading, crafting, travel, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. She has two daughters.
“I’m happy they were able to grow up in Rock Springs, like I did,” Allison said.
She went on to say, “One of my earliest recollections is visiting Bunning Park with my Aunt Marie when I was young. As I got a little older, I had a blast with friends at the Civic Center during the summer. We would swim for several hours and then walk to the Maverick convenience store to grab something for lunch before heading back for more swimming.”
She shopped with her mother at Sweetbriar often.
“I still miss the delicious food from the New Grand Café and I watched many movies at the Cinema and Rock Theaters,” Allison shared.
“In high school, I had to drop off a lot of film at New Studio quite a bit as editor of the yearbook,” she started to explain. “I will never forget the smell of the chemicals they used for developing.”
According to Allison, she got her high school letter jacket at Nan Thompson in Downtown.
“Our Downtown is comprised of great dining, shopping, arts/culture and recreational opportunities,” she pointed out. “Some of my favorite places to visit are A Touch of Class Floral, Sidekicks Book and Wine Bar, Fiesta Guadalajara and Rebel and Roots Boutique.”
“People who own and work in Downtown businesses love what they do and provide wonderful, personalized customer service,” Allison observed. “Supporting small business owners keeps money local and most small businesses in Downtown Rock Springs, they participate in fundraisers and special events to help others in our community.”
She added, “It’s awesome to see everyone supporting each other in a positive way.”
Allison continued to say, “When you spend your money at a small business, you also help support someone’s dream – a vision they have for their business and a way of life for their family.”
“It’s nice to play a small part in the success of a small business,” she said.
Allison is excited to enjoy fresh air and everything Downtown has to offer this summer such as Concerts in the Park in Bunning Park and Main Street Market.
“The addition of electric scooters to our Downtown will be another great way for people to explore,” she revealed. “ARTember should be a wonderful event to showcase all of the talented artists in our community and I am excited to attend that.”
According to Allison, Downtown is rich in history, architecture and pride – something that attracts local residents as well as visitors.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the revitalization, regrowth and reinvention of Downtown Rock Springs!” she beamed. “So many positive improvements have been made just in the last ten years.”
Allison credits the Urban Renewal Agency for doing an awesome job attracting small business owners to start businesses in Downtown and organizing enjoyable events.
“One of the things that makes my heart happiest is the renovation of the Rock Theater into The Broadway Theater,” she stated. “I have attended many concerts and other shows there since the renovation. So many great performers visit Rock Springs to perform there – I encourage everyone to keep an eye out for upcoming shows!”
“Downtown Rock Springs is a wonderful gathering place – there is literally something for everyone!” Allison said. “Children can explore the library with its’ new Discovery Center or play a round of golf at the free mini golf course. Teens can visit the Civic Center for swimming or rock climbing. Adults have so many options with restaurants, shops and the activities/events taking place.”
“I would encourage residents to spend more time Downtown,” she suggested. “There are many great things happening, a lot, which are free, like the contests sponsored by the URA, summer concerts at Bunning Park, and more!”
Allison concluded by saying, “Downtown is the heart of our city, rich in history and full of wonderful personal memories.”
…And that’s why Downtown Rock Springs is My Own Downtown.
