IN FOCUS: 9.26.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

Community Leaders and Residents Celebrate Completion of Draper Park
On Monday, community leaders and residents came together to celebrate the completion of Draper Park, a pocket park built along the former railroad right-of-way in Marion, just south of the American Legion on 31st Street. It honors former Council member and community advocate, Paul Draper. Paul was a champion of Marion's progress and a leader in preserving the city's railroad history.

Many entities had a hand in helping bring the vision to life, including Coonrod Wrecker and Crane Service for moving the caboose from City Square Park in 2023 and repositioning it at Draper Park last August; Wabtec Corp. for repairing and refurbishing the railroad car; and Alliant Energy Foundation for their financial support to cover the cost of the move. Other contributors included RDG Planning & Design for developing the park concept and signage; Rathje Construction for serving as the contractor responsible for bringing the vision to life; and the Marion Parks & Recreation Department for putting the finishing touches on the park and for assuming the continued care of this community treasure. Additional thanks go to Tom Barnes and the team at Barnes Manufacturing; Sam Dillon, a local railroad signal maintainer; and Robert Cross, a work study student with Marion Independent School District, who all came together to tackle the nine-month process of restoring the railroad signal. The City also recognizes American Legion Post 298 for their service, partnership and shared parking spaces; as well as Carolyn, Scott and Kirk, and the rest of the Draper family, for the many years they shared Paul with the community. This park is a celebration of Marion's rich history. Thanks to all who were involved in its development.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Decals Installed on City Vehicles
Coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month, the City added 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decals to 18 vehicles in its Police, Fire and Public Works departments. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The decals can be found on the Police Department's school resource officer vehicles, the Fire Department's staff vehicles and the garbage and recycling trucks in the Public Works Department. The decals and installation costs were funded by a donation from HOPEwalk CR.

Engineering Division Relocates to Public Works Facility
Last year, to streamline operations, reduce cost and gain efficiency, Marion's Engineering and Public Services departments merged to become the Public Works Department. Earlier this week, the Engineering Division completed its move from Marion City Hall to the new Marion Public Works facility at 202 44th Street so that all team members are based out of one location. Members of the Engineering Division can continue to be reached by calling (319) 743-6340. Direct extensions and emails did not change with the move. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Moonlit Movie Rescheduled for Tonight
Last month, the Moonlit Movie Series featuring "Kung Fu Panda 4" was cancelled due to weather. The event has been rescheduled to this evening in a new location - the Central Plaza at City Square Park. The feature presentation will begin around 7 p.m. or dusk. Guests should bring chairs or blankets for general lawn seating. Outside food and drink are permitted and encouraged. Moonlit Movies are hosted by the Marion Parks and Recreation Department and supported by Marion's Hotel/Motel Grant Program.

7th Avenue to Close on Saturday for Fall Marion Market
The Fall Marion Market is happening in Uptown Marion this Saturday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to noon. Seventh Avenue from 10th to 12th Streets will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. A detour will be posted.

Classic Car Show & Shine Happening Sunday
Join the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club for an all-car cruise-in from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Thomas Park this Sunday. They are suggesting a donation to support Eastern Iowa Honor Flights. If it rains, the show will be canceled.

Upcoming City and School Board Elections
City and School Board officials will be on the ballot for the upcoming election on Nov. 4, 2025. The seats for At-Large, Ward 2 and Ward 4 will all be included for the City of Marion. Residents have until Oct. 20 to return voter registration or absentee ballot request forms. More information regarding your polling location or your current representatives can be viewed on the Linn County Elections website.

Community Preparedness Open House Happening September 30
The Marion Fire Department and Linn County Emergency Management are partnering to increase community preparedness by expanding Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in Marion and Linn County. Those interested in learning more about CERT are invited to an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the headquarters for the Marion Fire Department, 100 Irish Dr. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn how to use a fire extinguisher, receive hands-only CPR training and meet fellow CERT members. Then, a free three-day CERT basic training will be offered from Oct. 10-12 at the Linn County Emergency Operations Center and at Fire Station No. 1 in Marion. Those interested are encouraged to sign up today. Spots are limited and participants are required to complete three FEMA independent study courses prior to CERT basic training. Learn more by calling the Marion Fire Department at (319) 377-8237.

Healthiest State Walk Happening October 1
Join friends and community members for Marion's Healthiest State Walk beginning at Marion City Hall at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. After a brief welcome, attendees will take a 30-minute walk on the sidepaths along 6th Avenue. Participants can enter a drawing for a prize basket provided by the Marion Chamber of Commerce. The winner will be drawn at City Hall at the end of the walk. Lace up your sneakers, invite a friend and take part in this state-wide initiative.

Help Secure Future Safety Project Funding
The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hosted a public engagement event to gather community input for the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan last week. The materials from the open house are now available online. Marion residents are invited to learn about the Corridor MPO project scoring process, understand how individual projects rank in terms of safety enhancement for all road users, and share their feedback. Online public engagement will be gathered through Oct. 2. Please visit the Corridor MPO's SS4A webpage or Facebook event page for more information on the SS4A Action Plan.

Come Work at the Coolest Place in Town Be part of the ice loop's inaugural season in City Square Park. The Marion Parks and Recreation Department is looking for friendly, reliable and enthusiastic team members to help create a safe and fun experience for visitors. Open positions include ice loop lead, ice loop attendant and ice loop operator. Learn more and apply at https://www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Kudos to Lara Moellers
When an order for a City flag was cancelled by the supplier and there wasn't time to find a new vendor, Lara Moellers with the Marion Public Library came to the rescue! Lara is the MakerSpace library assistant and an incredible resource when it comes to bringing ideas to life. She offered tips for the type of blank flag to purchase and then skillfully applied the community logo using the MakerSpace's sublimation printer. Who knew there would be so much math involved?! The finished project looked fabulous and was completed on time and at a fraction of the cost. Thank you, Lara, for making us look good!!

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, Sept. 29, Garrett Hansen is joining Team Marion as a Utility I with the Marion Parks and Recreation Department. He has spent multiple summers working with the City as a seasonal parks employee and most recently worked for Naturescape Lawn and Landscape Care. Congrats on your new position, Garrett!

• Why does a portion of the improved Boyson Road appear unfinished compared to other portions of this roadway?
  With the Alburnett Road extension project expected to occur in the next 1-2 years, the intersection of Boyson Road and Alburnett Road (west of Bowstring Drive) was not part of the most recent patch project. This was intentional as the intersection will be completely reconstructed to accommodate new traffic signals, pavement widening and meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards for the pedestrian crosswalks.

• Can you provide an update on the 1st Avenue Reconstruction Project?
  The 1st Avenue Reconstruction Project will span two construction seasons (2025 & 2026). It includes the removal and replacement of 1st Avenue from the intersection of 15th Street to 22nd Street, as well as 22nd Street from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue. The project includes upgrades to water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure. The intersection at 15th Street and 1st Avenue opened to traffic in mid-August. First Avenue between 15th and 19th Streets remains closed to traffic. For updates on active road projects, residents can sign up to receive updates in their inbox.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Sept. 23-27, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street. Between Sept. 29-Oct. 3, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 50th Street.

• Friday, Sept. 26 - Moonlit Movie Series featuring "Kung Fu Panda 4" - 7 p.m. - Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Saturday, Sept. 27 - Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours - 8-11 a.m.- Willowood Park
• Saturday, Sept. 27 - Uptown Marion Market & City Council Office Hours - 8 a.m.-noon - Uptown Marion
• Saturday, Sept. 27 - Dog Fashion Show - 10 a.m. - Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Sunday, Sept. 28 - Classic Car Show & Shine - 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. - Thomas Park
• Tuesday, Sept. 30 - Community Preparedness Open House - 6:30-8 p.m. - Fire Station No. 1
• Wednesday, Oct. 1 - Healthiest State Walk - noon - Marion City Hall
• Friday, Oct. 3 - Chocolate Walk & Shop - 6-9 p.m. - Uptown Marion
• Friday, Oct. 3 - Coffeehouse Night featuring Blake Shaw Trio - 7-8:30 p.m. - Lowe Park