IN FOCUS: 8.21.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

Marion Fire Department Awarded International Accredited Status
Please join us in congratulating the Marion Fire Department (MFD) on achieving Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) earlier this week. CFAI is dedicated to assisting fire and emergency service agencies throughout the world in achieving excellence through self-assessment and accreditation, to provide continuous quality improvement and enhance service delivery for their communities. I had the honor of joining Mayor AbouAssaly, Fire Chief Tom Fagan and other teammates from MFD for the accreditation hearing in Chicago. The department is one of more than 300 agencies to achieve Internationally Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE) and one of eight in Iowa. Congratulations to all involved!

Local Students Experience What it's Like to be Mayor for a Day
On Tuesday, Mayor AbouAssaly hosted his Mayor for a Day event for area students. It is an experience he donates to local fundraisers. Brooke Corkery and Keegan Corkery learned firsthand what it's like to be a mayor! They toured Marion City Hall and the Marion Public Library, engaging with City staff, sharing ideas and learning what it's like to be a police officer. They also toured Uptown Marion while learning about community partnerships and simulating a ribbon cutting with the Marion Chamber of Commerce. The event wrapped up with their participation in the City Council Work Session. Thank you, Brooke and Keegan, for asking great questions and serving as our Mayors for a Day!

Vote for the Central Plaza at City Square Park
The Central Plaza at City Square Park is competing in the Iowa League of Cities People's All-Star Tournament and we've advanced to the quarterfinals!! But we 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.

Central Plaza Engraved Bricks to Be Dedicated August 27
There's been a slight delay in the installation of the engraved bricks at Central Plaza at City Square Park, but work is expected to be completed very soon. The bricks were sponsored by individuals, families, organizations and businesses as part of the Central Plaza Capital Campaign. The special dedication ceremony recognizing the brick sponsors is now planned for Thursday, Aug. 27, ahead of the Uptown Getdown event. Remarks are expected from the stage at 5:45 p.m.

Budget Planning for FY28 Underway
Last month, Team Marion launched the annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2028. The first budget discussion with Marion City Council occurred earlier this week, where we reviewed the City's financial policies and proposed changes as a result of the recent property tax reform bill. 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.

Projects in Motion Update The Projects in Motion document was created to track current strategic priorities and projects. Written progress updates on select projects are shared quarterly, received and filed by City Council and posted on the City website. Here's a look at the progress update from July 2026.

Median Landscaping Project at 10th Street and 29th Avenue
Next week, Alpha Landscapes will begin work on the 10th Street and 29th Avenue Median Landscaping Project. City staff worked closely with Linn-Mar Community School District to minimize disruptions. Traffic impacts are anticipated along 10th Street and 29th Avenue near Linn-Mar High School, Indian Creek Elementary School and Excelsior Middle School including:

• Eastbound 29th Avenue will be closed to through traffic from 10th Street to the Indian Creek Elementary School entrance. Local traffic on Indian Creek Circle will be permitted. School bus traffic will be allowed to proceed through this area at all times. Westbound traffic will remain open at all times.
• Segments of 10th Street southbound between Excelsior Middle School and Boyson Road will be closed periodically. Northbound 10th Street will not be impacted at this time.
• Median topsoil work on southbound 10th Street between 29th Avenue and 33rd Avenue (by Linn-Mar High School) will be limited to the hours of 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. to avoid peak school arrival and dismissal times.

Additional impacts to 10th Street traffic are anticipated starting Monday, Aug. 31. Work is expected to be completed by Friday, Sept. 11. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and use caution when traveling through the work areas.

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.

Keep Grass Clippings Out of the Street
Please do your part to keep grass clippings out of the street and off of sidewalks or sweep/blow the clippings back into your yard when you're finished mowing. Wet grass clippings are slippery and create a slip/crash hazard for pedestrians and bikers. If clippings are left in the street, they will eventually wash into the storm sewer which leads directly to our creeks. The next time you're mowing, please do one extra pass to put the grass back where it belongs.

Pavement Patch Happening Next Week on S 11th Street
Beginning Monday, Aug. 24 at 8:30 a.m., Marion Public Works will be closing the northbound lane and the center turning lane of S 11th Street just north of F Avenue to complete a pavement patch. This closure is expected to last 1 week, weather permitting. The detour will follow Grand Avenue to S 15th Street to A Avenue back to S 11th Street.

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.

Gill Splash Pad Closed Indefinitely
Earlier this 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.

Pop-Up Acts in the Artway Extended
Last week's weather and a scheduling conflict were good for something - they extended our Pop-Up Acts series a few weeks longer! Here's a look at the schedule to close out the season. Come join us in the Uptown Artway each Friday night through Sept. 18 from 6-8 p.m. and unwind from the work week. This series is graciously sponsored by Iowa Appliance Center and Affordable Heating and Cooling.

End of Season Hours for the Marion Pool
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!

Marion Sustainability Fair Happening Next Saturday
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!

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.

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, Aug. 24, Niomi Jones will join Team Marion! She will be the new administrative assistant for Community Development in the building division. She comes to us from The Transportation Solution, Inc. Welcome to the team, Niomi!