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DECEMBER 2015
Please note, Marion Parks and Recreation and other City offices will be closed the following dates during the months of December and January:
Christmas Eve Day:  Thursday, Dec. 24
Christmas Day:  Friday, Dec. 25
New Years Eve Day:  Thursday, Dec. 31
New Years Day: Friday, Jan. 1
Friday Coffeehouse Night

Please join us for Coffeehouse Night featuring Sam Knutson. 

Friday, December 4
7-8:30 p.m.
Lowe Park

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Desserts and coffee will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Marion Arts Council.
 

Sam is a folk singer/songwriter from Iowa City.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Family Programs

Light The Night—Holiday Lights Tour  Open to All Marion Residents
Tis’ the season to show off your Christmas spirit by decorating your property for the holidays. Participants will be judged by a combination of department staff and public viewers.  Participants must complete an entry form and submit it to the Recreation Department at Lowe Park, 4500 N 10th Street, Marion, IA 52302. A list of entries for viewing will be available at Lowe Park starting Friday, Dec. 11. Votes will be accepted Dec. 11-23 and a winner will be announced the week of Dec. 26, 2015.
Fee: FREE, Prizes awarded to winner(s)
Dates: Dec. 9-23
Registration Deadline: Dec. 9, 2015

Youth Programs
Indoor Winter Blast Ball Camp 3 year old boys & girls
Blast Ball helps prepare players for organized baseball/softball in a fun, non-competitive environment. Children will be introduced to the fundamentals of throwing, hitting, and fielding while fostering the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Program to be held at Bowman Woods School. Limit 20 participants. VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED!
Fee: $31, includes team shirt
Times: Saturday mornings following youth basketball
Dates: Feb. 6-Mar. 5
Registration Deadline: Dec. 11, 2015
 
Little Stars Basketball 4 year old boys & girls
Players meet for five sessions to work on very basic ball handling and shooting skills. Parents are also welcome to participate with their child. Program held at Echo Hill School.
PeeWee Shooting Stars Basketball Boys & girls in grades K—1st
This instructional program works on the basic skills of dribbling, passing, and shooting. Players spend the first two practices working on skills then scrimmage the remainder of the meetings. There are NO additional practices. VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED!
Fee: $31, includes team shirt
Times: Saturday mornings
Dates: Feb. 6-Mar. 5
Registration Deadline: Dec. 11, 2015
 
Lil’ Chefs Cooking Class
Children Ages 3–6
Come ready to bake, cook, and have a great time with other kids your age. Children will create delicious snacks and treats to eat and take home with them. Parents are encouraged to participate with their child.  Bring your appetite! Limit 15 participants.
Fee: $25.00
Days/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 6–27
Time(s): AM: 10:00-10:30   OR   PM: 5:30-6:00   (Choose One)
Location: Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center
Registration Deadlines: Dec. 30, 2015
 
Future Programs/Deadlines
Kids Crafters Art Class (3-6 year olds)  Jan. 22, 2016
Snowman Selfies (all ages) submissions accepted Jan--Feb
Curling Clinic (all ages)  Jan. 13, 2016
BINGO Night  Jan. 15, 2016
 

Register In Person, By Mail or Online

Cogran is our provider for online registration services. You will need to have a PayPal account to complete registrations.
PARKS & RECREATION NEWS
Please Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice
Per City of Marion Ordinance 141.03 “Removal of Snow, Ice and Accumulations”  property owners are required maintain their sidewalks.  All snow and ice shall be cleared within 12 hours after it has stopped.  If you have any questions or would like to report a property, please contact the Parks Department at (319) 447-3580.

Parks & Rec Brochure Coming Soon
The 2016 Marion Parks and Recreation Brochure will be available beginning in early January. This handy resource contains all the information you would need for anything parks and recreation related. If you are on our mailing list, you will receive a copy via mail. If not, you can pick up your copy at: Lowe Park, Thomas Park, City Hall, or the Marion Public Library. Grab a copy and check out all the exciting new offerings by the parks and recreation department in 2016!
Sunrise at Lowe Park
Take an early morning walk at Lowe Park to catch a magnificent view like this. Marion Parks & Recreation maintains the City's trails throughout the winter months.
MARION ARTS COUNCIL
Exhibit at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center:

"Creative Legacies"
 
Dec. 5 to Jan. 29 featuring the work of Julia Kulish, Zach Kulish, and Bruno Randles.
With artist reception & gallery talk Thursday, Dec. 17, 6:30-8 p.m. 
 
Artist receptions are free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

Lowe Park Gallery Hours:
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and the first Saturday of the month 1-3 p.m.
 




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Contact us:
Marion Parks and Recreation
Recreation Office  |  4500 N Tenth Street  |  Marion, IA  52302  |  319.447.3590

Administration and Operations Office  |  343 Marion Blvd  |  Marion, IA 52302
319.447.3580