For the Good of the Order

“Echoes of Marion” Sculpture Installed in Central Plaza
Yesterday, Marion community leaders gathered to celebrate the installation of the new art sculpture in the Central Plaza at City Square Park. The reflective “Echoes of Marion” sculpture was designed and fabricated by Gavin and Kelley Brodin of Formed For and sponsored by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and other private donations through the Central Plaza capital campaign. Check it out in the northeast corner of the park! Many thanks to the community volunteers who served on the art selection committee and helped bring the vision to life.

City Offices to Close in Observance of Labor Day
Marion City Hall and other City offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day, taking place Tuesday through Saturday instead. The Recycling Drop-off Center will be open its regular hours on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 2, from noon-5:45 p.m. Marion Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1. Marion’s splash pads will remain open through Labor Day. Crews will begin the winterization process later in the month.

Budget Planning for FY27 Continues
The annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2027 continues. The fourth budget discussion with Marion City Council is happening on Tuesday, Sept. 2, where we’ll be reviewing the environmental scan. This scan will look at internal and external factors expected to impact fiscal planning for FY26-27. A series of discussions will occur over the coming months, leading up to our annual budget work session at the end of January. Stay informed by visiting the City’s budget page.

Falliday Market Accepting Vendor Applications
As the temperatures drop and seasons change, the Marion Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its fourth annual Falliday Market at Lowe Park, 4500 N 10th St, Marion, on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Organizers anticipate the perfect blend of seasonal fall and holiday treasures with space for approximately 50 vendors to participate. Those interested in vending are asked to complete a vendor application online at www.cityofmarion.org/fallintomarion. The deadline to apply is next Friday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. Questions may be directed to the Marion Parks and Recreation Department at (319) 447-3590.  

Marion and Monarch Research Offer Free Right-of-Way Trees
The City of Marion and Monarch Research are offering another community-wide tree-planting program for residents. The primary goal of the initiative is to provide residents with native Iowa trees to plant in the right-of-way along City streets adjacent to their property. Marion residents and landowners who commit to planting, watering and protecting the trees as they become established can register online for up to three free, 3-gallon trees provided by Monarch Research. Program registration is currently open and will remain open through Saturday, Sept. 13, at www.cityofmarion.org. Please register early to secure your tree selection.

Window Film Installation at Marion Public Library
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, crews from Shades & Shields will begin work to install bird safety film on the exterior windows of the Marion Public Library. To ensure the safety of workers, patrons and employees, portions of the sidewalk, as well as parking spaces, will be closed on 6th Avenue, 11th Street and 12th Street. Residents planning a trip to the library can find parking in the lot on the south side of the building, as well as at the former library site. Work is expected to last three weeks, weather permitting. 

Central Plaza Water Feature Update
Last week, we experienced a mechanical issue with the water feature in the Central Plaza at City Square Park. Crews are working with the contractor to make repairs to the recirculating water system, however it is not expected to be operational this weekend. We recognize this is disappointing news. Families are encouraged to enjoy the splash pad at Thomas Park or take advantage of the Marion Pool during its final weekend of the season.

Work Continues on 35th Street
Crack sealing on 35th Street began this week but is taking longer than anticipated. Work is expected to be complete next week, with pavement markings to follow. Traffic control will shift periodically during this time to allow work to progress. Full project completion is now anticipated by Sept. 10, weather permitting. 

Election Sign Placement Reminders
As election season approaches, we want to remind everyone of the rules for the placement of political signs in Marion. Signs may not be placed in the City right-of-way, between the sidewalk and curb, per City code. In areas where there is no sidewalk, typically 15 feet from the back of the curb is considered to be the start of private property. Please be mindful of the placement of signs on corner lots so that they do not obstruct driver and pedestrian visibility of oncoming traffic. If you have questions regarding the placement of signs, please contact the Planning Division at planning@cityofmarion.org.

Spark in the Park Multicultural Festival Happening Sept. 7
On Sunday, Sept. 7, Yenko will host its second annual Spark in the Park Multicultural Festival. This free event will take place at the Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy international food samplings, yoga, cultural performances, a fashion show and more! All are welcome to participate to ignite wellness and celebrate culture. For more information visit: yenko.org.

Fall Into Marion Parade Returns on Sept. 13
For the third year, the City of Marion is pleased to host the Fall Into Marion Parade sponsored by Farmers State Bank. It will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. Both Marion and Linn-Mar High School marching bands plan to participate, along with a variety of nonprofits and area businesses. Floats are encouraged and prizes will be awarded. To sign up to participate, please visit www.cityofmarion.org/fallintomarion and register online by Sept. 9. Registration is $40 for for-profit organizations and $5 for all others. We look forward to a great celebration of community!

Last Call: Emergency Response Survey
Linn County Emergency Management is looking for input via a survey to gather data to be used in improving evacuation plans for both man-made and natural disasters. The purpose of the survey is to identify local behavior during emergency situations with no prior warning, such as a wildfire, chemical spill or radiological event. Responses will greatly contribute to local emergency preparedness. Please complete only one survey per household between now and Sept. 5, 2025.

Last Call: Regional Transportation Investments and Priorities Survey
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is requesting the public’s input on Iowa’s long-range transportation plan (LRTP). This plan will help guide future transportation funding decisions and build a plan for Iowa roads, bridges, trails, railroads and more. To participate, please complete the online survey. Comments must be received by Aug. 31, 2025. To learn more, visit www.iowadot.gov.  

Kudos to Members of the Parks and Recreation Department
Kudos to Ryan Hays, Klein Walker, Broc Stayley and Hanna March with the Parks and Recreation Department for taking the time to address a resident concern. A resident called expressing concern for pedestrian traffic on some of the bridges due to overgrown branches and bushes. The team was quick to act and addressed the overgrowth before students used the pathways to commute to school. Thanks to the resident for taking the time to drop us a line. “Whoever did the work did an excellent job, and the bridges look beautiful.” Way to reach higher, Team!

We’re Hiring
If you’re looking for a collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community – look no further. Current full-time openings include associate planner, principal planner, police officer, human resources generalist and utility I. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Word on the Street

• Are there any plans for a dog park in Marion?
  Many of our parks and trails are dog-friendly, as long as pets remain on a leash. There are currently no areas for off-leash play, or plans in place for a dog park within city limits. This type of amenity would need to be considered by the Park Board, and community support would help guide those discussions. To share your ideas or support, please email staff at parksoffice@cityofmarion.org. Additionally, located just across Highway 100 is a great regional resource where dogs can run free and socialize with their canine friends. Check out the K9 Acres Off-Leash area at Wanatee Park, 1600 Banner Dr., Marion. Learn more at k9cola.org.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Aug. 31-Sept. 3, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 50th Street, southbound. Between, Sept. 5-9, it will be located in the 5200 block of Winslow Road, southbound.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, Aug. 29 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Flash in a Pan – 6-8 p.m.  
• Saturday, Aug. 30 – Sunrise Yoga – 7:30 a.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, Aug. 30 – Marion Farmers Market – 8-11 a.m.– Willowood Park
• Monday, Sept. 1 – City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day

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 week:

• Offices closed on Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day
• Internal meetings
• Meeting with TrueNorth representatives
• City Council Work Session
• Monthly Coffee Talk with City employees
• City Council Meeting
• Meeting with Denis Frischmeyer

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