IN FOCUS: 9.19.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Draper Park Ribbon Cutting Happening on September 22
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Monday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. along the Grant Wood Trail to mark the completion of Draper Park. This new pocket park is located south of the American Legion (625 31st Street) and honors Marion's railroad history. The park is named in honor of former Councilmember Paul Draper, who was a tireless advocate for the community, a champion of Marion's progress and a leader in preserving the city's railroad history. Special thanks to our City departments working diligently to bring the space online, particularly the Parks and Recreation Department.

Oktoberfest to Close Two Blocks on 7th Avenue Tomorrow
Oktoberfest, presented by Club Pilates, returns for the fourth year on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. It will feature the best breweries in Iowa and the surrounding area, sampling a wide variety of styles. Please be aware, 7th Avenue will be closed on Saturday between 10th and 12th Streets from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for this event.

8th Avenue Bridge Repair and Boyson Trail Improvement Project Begins September 22
On Monday, Sept. 22, construction crews will close the Boyson Trail north of Marion Boulevard at the Milwaukee Road Bridge to the pedestrian bridge in Donnelly Park for trail improvements. This work will take approximately 6-8 weeks (weather permitting) and will include streambank stabilization, culvert replacement and paving the existing granular trail. Given the nature of the work and the significant amount of grading that will occur along Indian Creek, it is imperative that trail users observe the posted closures and stay out of the construction zone.

Then, on Oct. 13 (tentatively), construction crews will begin work to repair the W 8th Avenue Bridge over Indian Creek. The work includes repairing the bridge deck, handrails and piers. During the duration of the bridge work, westbound traffic will be maintained on the bridge while eastbound traffic will be closed west of the bridge. Resident and business access will remain open during this closure. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted to Blairs Ferry Road and Marion Boulevard. The work is expected to take 3-4 weeks, weather permitting.

Red Cedar Chamber Music presents Global Consortium on September 23
On Tuesday, Sept. 23, at noon, Red Cedar Chamber Music will present Global Consortium in the Uptown Artway. The program is free to attend. Jamshid Jam, the duo comprised of artists and composers Jean-François Charles and Ramin Roshandel, will join Miera Kim and Carey Bostian in a program of newly commissioned music. This eclectic quartet of clarinet, violin, cello and setar will perform a work composed by each guest artist. Don't miss this powerful partnership! The program will move to the Marion Heritage Center in the event of rain.

Community Preparedness Open House Happening on 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.

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 Aaron Butikofer, Alex Stringer and Joe Westendorf
We don't always hear about the great things our teammates are doing out in the field, but when we do, we celebrate it! Kudos to Captain Aaron Butikofer and Firefighters Alex Stringer and Joe Westendorf and thanks to the resident for taking the time to drop us a line. "Just wanted to say thanks to the responders, they were fantastic, professional and very comforting. Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the responding crew. We are from Indiana and found ourselves in an uncomfortable situation. I know you are, but you and the City should be extremely proud and thankful for these first responders." Good work, team!

Kudos to the Urban Forestry Team
The City is proud to be a partner in the Marion Community Build program, working with MEDCO and our local school districts to give students the opportunity to rehabilitate single-family homes. Team Marion was on full display earlier this month as members of the Parks and Recreation Department's Urban Forestry Division helped tackle the overgrown weeds, trees and hedges. This hands-on experience not only gave students the chance to learn proper landscaping skills, but it also revealed the charm of the home's exterior once again. MEDCO expressed its deep appreciation for the expertise and assistance of City Arborist Mike Cimprich and the entire Urban Forestry Team. Kudos one and all!

New Faces in New Places
Reed Petersen is joining Team Marion on Saturday, Sept. 20, 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. Congrats on your new position, Reed!

On Monday, Sept. 22, Jari Hagen will join the Marion Public Library as a part-time patron services support team member. Jari recently worked at Taft Middle School. Welcome aboard, Jari.

Word on the Street

• The apartments on the corner of 31st Street and 10th Avenue were built several years ago. Why are there dirt and sand piles still on the site?
  The plan is for this site to house two apartment buildings. While construction of one apartment is complete, work on the second structure has yet to begin. The materials have remained on the site to accommodate the second structure. Building plans are expected to be submitted in the coming weeks with grading to begin later this year.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Sept. 17-21, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road, northbound. Between Sept. 23-27, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street.

Upcoming Events

Here's a look at what's happening in Marion:

• Saturday, Sept. 20 - Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours - 8-11 a.m.- Willowood Park
• Saturday, Sept. 20 - Oktoberfest sponsored by Club Pilates - 11 a.m. (VIP hour), Noon-3 p.m. - Uptown Marion
• Monday, Sept. 22 - Draper Park Ribbon Cutting - 4 p.m. - Draper Park (south of the American Legion, 625 31st Street)
• Tuesday, Sept. 23 - Red Cedar Chamber Music presents Global Consortium - Noon - Uptown Artway
• 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 sponsored by Apple Creek Canine Resort - 10 a.m. - Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Sunday, Sept. 28 - Classic Car Show & Shine - 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. - Thomas Park

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 Theresa Lewis
• C3 Power Hour: Celebrate, Cultivate & Collaborate event
• Meeting with Okpara Rice
• Meeting with Frank Sherman
• Young Parents Network Board meeting
• Power of the Purse fundraiser
• Meeting with Marci Dahl

Sign up to receive this weekly newsletter and other updates from the City of Marion directly in your inbox by visiting https://www.cityofmarion.org/enotify.