IN FOCUS: 8.14.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

Saturday's "Vegas McGraw" Concert Cancelled
Saturday's Music Under the Moon concert featuring "Vegas McGraw," a tribute to country music superstar Tim McGraw, has been cancelled due to the extended rainfall and wet conditions at Lowe Park. The decision was made with the safety and enjoyment of attendees, performers, vendors and staff in mind. Music Under the Moon is a free community concert series at Lowe Park, sponsored by Veridian Credit Union and Marion's hotel/motel grant program.

Indian Creek Clean-up Day Cancelled Due to Weather
The City of Marion and Creekside Pride have cancelled the Indian Creek clean-up day scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, at Thomas Park. Recent rainfall, additional rain in the forecast and the potential for storms Saturday morning have created unsafe conditions for volunteers, and safety comes first. Organizers look forward to sharing future opportunities to help care for Indian Creek next year.

1st Avenue Reopens to Traffic
1st Avenue from 19th Street to 22nd Street reopened to traffic today. Several work items remain, but they can be completed under traffic. 22nd Street from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue remains closed and is expected to remain closed into October, weather permitting.

Public EV Charging Stations Now Online
Marion's first two public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are now online and available for use. One is in the Marion Public Library parking lot, and the other is in the parking lot at the southwest corner of 8th Avenue and 12th Street. The charger equipment was provided through a partnership with Alliant Energy. The commercial-grade Level 2 charging stations feature two charging ports, allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously. The stations are powered by the ChargeLab network and were initially proposed as part of the 2023 Uptown Parking Study. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org.

Marion and Monarch Research Offer Free Right-of-Way Trees
The City of Marion and Monarch Research are pleased to offer 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 Thursday, Sept. 10, at www.cityofmarion.org. Please register early to secure your tree selection and join us in replanting our community!

Seeking Funding for Tower Terrace Road
Earlier this week, Public Works Director Mike Barkalow presented to the Iowa Transportation Commission, highlighting the City's ongoing collaboration with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). The presentation recognized the many projects that have received DOT funding and are currently in various stages of development or construction. The major focus of the discussion was the importance of completing Tower Terrace Road from Interstate 380 to Highway 13. The approximately $60 million project would connect Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha and Robins, improve regional traffic flow and provide an additional evacuation route near the Duane Arnold nuclear facility. Marion is seeking $25 million in federal funding and asked the Iowa DOT to help identify additional funding opportunities to close the remaining gap. Completing Tower Terrace remains a regional priority, and the City appreciates the Iowa DOT's continued partnership and support of this important project.

Asphalt Overlay Program to Switch Phases Next Week
Mobilization #5 of the 2026 Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Resurfacing Project is expected to switch phases next week. Mobilization #5 includes 35th Street from 7th Avenue to Jonquil Court and 35th Street from 3rd Avenue to Grant Wood Trail. Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, LL Pelling will begin work on southbound lanes. During the second phase, northbound traffic will remain open. Flaggers will be present to assist local traffic during working hours. This work is expected to take up to two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Road Construction Updates
Stay up-to-date on these and other projects by subscribing to the Public Works Project Newsletter. Here's a look at the latest.

Marion Sustainability Fair Happening on August 29
Join us at the first-ever Marion Sustainability Fair on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lowe Park and explore practical ways to make a positive impact on the environment. Connect with local organizations, discover resources that support sustainable living and learn easy ways to reduce waste and care for our community. Enjoy giveaways, yard games and food trucks while you find ideas to use at home and learn more about local sustainability efforts. We hope to see you there!

End of Season Hours for the Marion Pool
All good things must come to an end. The Marion Pool will close for the season on Sunday, Aug. 30. From Aug. 24-28, the pool will be closed. On Aug. 29-30, lap swim will be offered from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and open swim will occur from 1-5 p.m. Thank you for a great summer!

Fall Into Marion Parade Returns to Uptown Marion
For the fourth 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. 12, at 10 a.m. in Uptown Marion. This year's theme leans into America's 250th anniversary and celebrates the red, white and blue. Area residents, nonprofits and businesses are invited to be part of the fun. Floats are encouraged and prizes will be awarded. To sign up to participate, please visit www.cityofmarion.org/fallintomarion and register online by Sept. 4. Day-of entries will not be accepted. Registration is $40 for for-profit organizations and $1 for all others. We look forward to a great celebration of community!

Call for Artists - Utility Box Art
Make your mark on Marion and apply to bring vibrant, nature-inspired public art to the utility boxes in City Square Park. The City is seeking artists or artist teams interested in designing original artwork for three vinyl-wrapped utility boxes in Uptown Marion along 7th Avenue in City Square Park. The selected artist or team will create site-responsive designs that are visually engaging and appropriate for a public audience of all ages. The project's theme is biophilic design - artwork that connects people to nature, promotes health and wellness and encourages active living. This public art initiative is led by the Marion Arts Council. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026.

New Faces in New Places
We have several new faces joining Team Marion. April Blomme joined us as a project assistant in the Public Works Department. Her first day on the job was Thursday, Aug. 13. She comes from Hawkeye Electric. Congrats, April!

Next week, Elizabeth Kempf and John Bionaz will be joining us on Monday, Aug. 17, as communication operators with the Marion Police Department. They both come to us from the City of Cedar Rapids. Welcome to the team, Elizabeth and John!