Commemorative Brick Installation Signifies Completion of Marion's Central Plaza Project

This week, Marion community leaders will celebrate the completion of the remaining piece of the Central Plaza at City Square Park (1001 7^th Avenue, Marion) with the installation and dedication of the commemorative brick pavers.

A ceremony will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5:45 p.m. in the park, before the final Uptown Getdown concert of the season. Community members, project donors and those who purchased bricks are invited to attend.

The 530 individually sponsored brick pavers have been installed on the north/south walkway, which was previously the 11^th Street right of way adjacent to the park. For the last 16 months, the area was used for construction staging and site access for the soon-to-be completed Broad and Main on 6^th mixed-use building.

The Central Plaza project grew out of the ImagiNEXT community visioning process. The improvements activate the park year-round by providing flexible space for daily outdoor use and special events.

"The Central Plaza is a hallmark of Marion," said Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly. "It is the perfect example of how our community is reaching higher, together, to create amazing opportunities for an unequaled quality of life. It is a privilege to see the vision come to life and the full project completed."

The bricks were sold by the Marion Parks & Recreation Foundation as part of the $1.3 million Central Plaza Capital Campaign.

"The bricks are the finishing touch," said Parks and Recreation Director Seth Staashelm. "We are grateful to the Marion Parks & Recreation Foundation, members of the fundraising committee and all who contributed to this project. The pavers demonstrate a very personal connection to this space."