For the Good of the Order

City and Community Leaders to Celebrate Central Plaza Ribbon Cutting on May 7
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Wednesday, May 7, at 4 p.m. in City Square Park to mark the completion of the Central Plaza. The project grew out of the ImagiNEXT community visioning process. The improvements will activate the park year-round by providing flexible space for daily outdoor use and special events. Thanks to Rinderknecht and the many subcontractors putting the finishing touches on the project. Special thanks to our City departments working diligently to bring the space online, particularly the Public Works, Parks and Recreation and IT Departments.

Marion Farmers Market to Open Saturday
The Marion Farmers Market opens for the season tomorrow. It will be held at Willowood Park, 1855 35th Street. The market will be open every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. through the end of September. The first market is expected to host more than 30 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honey, jewelry, woodworking, crafts and more. In addition, Marion City Council members will hold their weekly office hours at the market.

Marion Pool Open House Happening Saturday
To raise awareness of the future of Marion’s aquatic offerings, City staff will host a public open house from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3 at the Marion Pool in conjunction with the first Marion Farmers Market. Community members are invited to walk through the pool facility before it is filled and opened for the season. Attendees will be able to view the mechanical spaces and aging infrastructure, ask questions of staff and gain firsthand insight into the maintenance and investment required to operate the nearly 40-year-old facility. Visuals will also be on display to help explain planned improvements and what is under consideration for the development of the new outdoor aquatic center.

Asphalt Overlay Program to Begin Monday
On Monday, May 5, crews from LL Pelling will begin work on the 2025 Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Resurfacing Project on 25th Avenue from Indian Creek Road to 27th Street, 8th Avenue from 6th to 10th Streets, and Twixt Town Road from Collins Road Square Mall to Marion Boulevard. Work includes milling the existing street surface, full-depth patchwork and resurfacing the street. During this time, 25th Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Eighth Avenue traffic will be detoured using 7th Avenue and 10th Street. Twixt Town Road will be detoured using Collins Road and Marion Boulevard. Work is expected to last two weeks, weather permitting. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these closures. 

Road Closure: Belltower Lofts
On Monday, May 5, Seedorf Masonry will close 8th Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets to complete brick work associated with the Belltower Lofts project. Traffic will be detoured to 7th Avenue. This closure is expected to last four weeks, weather permitting. 

Marion Water Department Publishes Annual Water Quality Report
The Marion Water Department, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, is providing its customers with the 2024 annual water quality report. This report explains where your water comes from, what it contains and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. Glenbrook Cove residents can view their report here. Prior year reports are available under Documents-Reports.

Linn County Master Gardeners Plant Sale
The Linn County Master Gardeners are hosting their annual plant sale at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street. The sale will be held on Friday, May 9 from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 10 from 8 a.m.-noon. Shop their selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables and native plants. All of the plants are locally grown in the Lowe Park greenhouse or the homes of Master Gardeners. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser in memory of Charlene Woeste will support educational programming throughout Linn County.

Marion to Host Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration
Marion’s Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration is planned for Saturday, May 10, at Thomas Park from noon to 3 p.m. The event will provide resources to help keep birds and our environment healthy and thriving. Activities include guided bird hikes, tree climbing demonstrations, a live raptor presentation, a monarch biotent with live butterflies, informational displays, handcrafted wood items for sale and make-and-take crafts. Visit www.cityofmarion.org/birdfriendly for the full schedule of events.

Great American Kites Returns to Lowe Park Ball Diamonds
Great American Kites, sponsored by Summit Pointe Senior Living, will return to Marion on Saturday, May 17. Kites will fly over the PeeWee Diamonds at Lowe Park between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This come-and-go event features displays that provide lasting memories for attendees of all ages. Easy access to the event is available from 4401 Irish Drive and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for open lawn seating.

Last Call: City Accepting Hotel/Motel Grant Applications
The City of Marion is accepting grant applications from any non-profit organization for a project that increases tourism within Marion. The funding source for these grants is the City’s share of taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels and motels within the city. Approximately $50,000 is expected to be available for the competitive grant program in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Applications are due by May 5.

Board and Commission Openings
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape both our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Library Board of Trustees, Planning and Zoning Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board and Marion Arts Council. To be considered, please submit an online application. 

New Faces in New Places
We are thrilled to have several new faces joining the City of Marion on Monday, May 5. Please welcome Faith Pladsen to the Parks and Recreation Department as a new event program coordinator. She comes to us from Unique Events. We’re glad to have you join us, Faith!

Laura Crock is joining Team Marion as an accounting associate with the Finance Department. She recently worked for A+ Accounting Services. Congrats on your new position, Laura!

Andrew Golimowski will also join the Parks and Recreation Department as a summer intern. He is a student at St. Ambrose University where he studies sports management. Welcome to Team Marion, Andrew.

Garrett Wagner and Eli Larson are also joining Team Marion as engineering tech interns for the summer months. Garrett is studying industrial technology and agricultural systems technology at Iowa State. Eli is studying engineering science at Wartburg College. We look forward to working with you both!

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between now and May 3, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2700-block of 10th Avenue, westbound. Then, between May 5-8, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2800-block of 10th Avenue, westbound.

Upcoming Events

Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion:

• Saturday, May 3 – Marion Farmers Market and City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m. – Willowood Park
• Wednesday, May 7 – Central Plaza ribbon cutting – 4 p.m. – City Square Park
• Saturday, May 10 – Marion Farmers Market and City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m. – Willowood Park

Here’s an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming weeks:

• Various activities for Employee Appreciation Week
• Internal meetings
• City Council Work Session
• Central Plaza ribbon cutting
• City Council Meeting
• Drake Leading Others alumni networking event

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