IN FOCUS: 8.28.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Congratulations to Forty Under 40 Honorees
Please join us in recognizing four members of Team Marion who were recently selected for the Corridor Business Journal's 2026 class of Forty Under 40 honorees. Each year, the Corridor Business Journal recognizes 40 leaders under the age of 40 who have made a significant impact on their businesses and communities early in their careers. We are proud to celebrate the members of Team Marion who were selected to be part of the Class of 2026: Ashley Osborn, Marketing & Special Events Manager for the Marion Public Library; Zach Brunscheen, Captain/Paramedic with the Marion Fire Department; Lacey Schroeder, Director of the Uptown Marion District and Brady Quinn, Manager of Existing Industry Engagement for Marion Economic Development Corporation - MEDCO. Additionally, several other honorees have Marion connections. They will be honored at a banquet at the end of October. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees!

Commemorative Bricks Installation Complete
Yesterday, Marion residents and community leaders gathered to celebrate the installation and dedication of the commemorative brick pavers at Central Plaza at City Square Park. The Central Plaza project grew out of the ImagiNEXT community visioning process and the installation marked the completion of the project. The improvements activate the park year-round by providing flexible space for daily outdoor use and special events. The 530 individually sponsored brick pavers are installed on the north/south walkway, which was previously the 11th Street right-of-way, adjacent to the park. The bricks were sold by the Marion Parks & Recreation Foundation as part of the $1.3 million Central Plaza Capital Campaign. Thank you to everyone who made this project possible!

Vote for the Central Plaza at City Square Park
Speaking of project completion - the Central Plaza at City Square Park is competing in the Iowa League of Cities People's All-Star Tournament. We've advanced to the quarterfinals, but we still need YOUR help! The only way we advance to the next level is by receiving the most "likes." Show this post some love to help us advance to the next round. Voting for this round ends Aug. 31.

Budget Planning for FY28 Continues
The annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2028 continues. The next budget discussion with Marion City Council will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 1, where we'll review the City's FY26 Preliminary Financial Report. 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.

Back to School Safety Videos
With students heading back to school this week, Officer Daubs and Communications Specialist Taryn Hildenbrand teamed up to create a series of short videos designed to reinforce simple safety messages and help students, families, drivers and pedestrians stay safe. Topics include Rapid Flashing Beacons, Using a Crosswalk, Crossing a Roundabout and Walk Your Wheels Zones. The videos are uploaded to a YouTube playlist for ease in sharing in the classroom, as well. We look forward to continuing to partner with our school districts in this way.

Multicultural Movie Night Happening Tonight
The City of Marion will celebrate diversity with a free, family-friendly Multicultural Movie Night tonight, Friday, Aug. 28, at Lowe Park. Presented in partnership with YENKO, the event will feature cultural activities beginning at 7 p.m., followed by an outdoor showing of the Hindi-language comedy-drama "Do Dooni Chaar" at approximately 8 p.m. The movie is expected to conclude around 10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends, along with lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening celebrating cultural diversity, connection and inclusion.

Marion Sustainability Fair Happening Tomorrow
Join us at the first-ever Marion Sustainability Fair tomorrow, 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!

Hennessey Parkway to Close Monday
On Monday, Aug. 31, B.G. Brecke will close Hennessey Parkway at Highway 13 to complete a water main installation. Business and resident access in the area will be from 62nd Street. This closure is expected to last two weeks, weather dependent.

Sign Up for Text Notifications
Never miss out on important information that matters to you like road closures, garbage delays, winter storm parking alerts, upcoming events and more. Indicate your preferences at www.cityofmarion.org/text.

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

Marion Police Department Hosting Stuffed Animal Drive
The Marion Police Department is partnering with the Child Protection Center to collect new stuffed animals for children who may be experiencing a difficult or traumatic time. Donations of new stuffed animals can be brought to the Marion Police Department on Highway 151 for collection between now and Sept. 30.

Request Your Free Trees by September 10
Marion residents and landowners who commit to the planting, watering and protection of the trees as they become established can register online for up to three free 3-gallon trees provided by Monarch Research. This program targets right-of-way areas, in most cases the area between the curb and the sidewalk. Program details, tree species and the registration form are available at www.cityofmarion.org/plantingforward. Orders are due by Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.

Gill Splash Pad Closed Indefinitely
Last week, as crews were working to repair a broken waterline affecting the operation of the Gill Park Splash Pad, they discovered a broken waterline beneath the splash pad, along with additional broken lines beneath the controller box. Due to the extent and location of the damage, the splash pad will remain closed while the City works with the splash pad vendor to evaluate options for repairing or renovating the existing system, as well as the potential cost of replacement. Additional information will be shared once the City has a better understanding of the available options and costs. We appreciate the community's patience as we work toward a long-term solution for the Gill Splash Pad.

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!

Spark in the Park Multicultural Festival Happening in September
On Sunday, Sept. 13, Yenko will host its third 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 pickleball tournament and more! All are welcome to participate to ignite wellness and celebrate culture. For more information visit: yenko.org.

Falliday Market Accepting Vendor Applications
As the seasons start to change, the Marion Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its fifth annual Falliday Market at Lowe Park, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 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. 4 at 4 p.m. Questions may be directed to the Marion Parks and Recreation Department at (319) 447-3590.

We're Hiring!
Curious about the current openings with the City of Marion? They include entry level police officer, lateral police officer, chief building inspector, part-time library patron services staff and part-time ice loop positions. Head over to www.cityofmarion.org/employment and apply today.

New Faces in New Places
Today, Aug. 28, Whitney Jensen joined the Marion Public Library as a part-time patron services team member (bookmobile). She is a recent graduate from the University of Iowa, where she worked as a library support assistant. Welcome aboard, Whitney.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, Brianne Arnold will join the Marion Public Library as a part-time shelving clerk. She previously worked for Linn-Mar Community School District. We look forward to working with you, Brianne!

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Aug. 26-30, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 3400 block of McGowan Boulevard. Between Sept. 2-5, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 5200 block of Winslow Road.

Upcoming Events

Future Council Items

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

On the Docket

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

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Brady Meisheid
• Meeting with Pramod Dwivedi
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with Nikki Wilcox
• Wake Up Marion meeting
• Candidate Forum with Joe Mitchell
• City Council meeting
• Scheduled time out of the office

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