April 2016 Newsletter-- Marion Parks and Recreation

APRIL 2016

2016 CITY SHOWCASE
Saturday, April 23 - 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - City Square Park

On Saturday, April 23, Marion will host its second, free City Showcase event in City Square Park. City staff will be on hand to visit with residents and share information about upcoming projects. Several City vehicles will be on display and a number of community partners will have a presence. A local balloon artist, face painter and musician will add to the atmosphere; making this a fun, festive activity for the entire family. Make plans now to attend!

PARKS NEWS
Spring Cleanup of Oak Shade Cemetery - This Saturday
Volunteers are needed to help spruce up Oak Shade Cemetery this Saturday, April 2. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to rake and pick up the cemetery. Please bring your leaf rakes, neighbor and/or kids to take part in this worthwhile community service project. Plan to arrive at the Oak Shade maintenance building on the corner of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue around 9:30 a.m. for instructions and assignments to begin work at 10 a.m.

Marion Farmers' Market
The Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting lease applications for the 2016 Marion Farmers' Market. The market is held at Taube Park from 8-11:30 a.m. every Saturday beginning May 7 and running through Sept. 24. Please call the Recreation Office at 447-3590 for availability, rental rates and additional information.

Faulkes Woods Cleanup
Monday, April 18, 5 -7 p.m.
Enter park off of Tama Street
Questions may be directed to Mike Cimprich 319-447-3580

Arbor Day is set for April 29
Watch the city website for detail on local plantings.

HELP WANTED

The Marion Parks and Recreation Department is a great place to work - especially during the summer months. We currently have openings for lifeguards and concession workers at the Lowe Park Diamonds. Those interested should call Karlene at 319-447-3590.

RAGBRAI Milkweed Seedball Workshop

Wednesday, May 18 - 6-8p.m.
Lowe Park, 4500 10th Street
RSVP 319-447-3590

Monarchs need milkweed plants to survive, yet there is a shortage of milkweed in Iowa, right in the middle of the Monarch migration route from Canada to Mexico.

With a goal of making 35,000 seedballs, we need lots of hands and energy! A 2 hour event with 10 people can produce around 1000 seedballs. We have collected all of the seeds and materials needed, we only need enthusiastic volunteers to gather their organizations or groups for an event. Kids of all ages love getting their hands dirty while directly contributing to the survival of the Monarchs. Have fun while making a difference!

The Milkweed Matters Riding Team will consist of riders of all ages and abilities who will complete the RAGBRAI route while tossing milkweed seedballs from their bikes! Each rider will carry around 50 seedballs with them each day, to toss from their bike and give out to other interested riders along the route.

PeeWee Baseball, Softball, Blastball, & Dream Team Registration Deadline: April 15

On-line Registration City Website

COACHES NEEDED
Peg Pierce Marion Girls Softball is in need of coaches for girls entering 2nd & 3rd grade league. If you are interested please contact the Recreation Office at 319-447-3590.

SWIM LESSON
REGISTRATION DAY
Saturday, April 30
8:00 -11:30 a.m.
Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center

Marion Pool Passes: Pool passes are now available for purchase for the Marion Municipal Pool. Individual passes are $100 and family passes are $190. They can be purchased at both the Lowe and Thomas Park locations during normal business hours.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Family Programs

B-I-N-G-O Night
Join us for a night of fun, socializing, and a chance to win some cash! Participants are welcome to bring food and drinks.
Fee: $0.25 per card
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Date: Fridays, April 1 and April 15
Location: Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center

Free Clinic: Play Rolle Bolle!
Similar to bocce ball and horse shoes, teams take turns attempting to roll their “bolle” (5-8 lbs) closest to a ground mounted stake to score points. Rolle Bolle is fun for all ages and abilities, so bring the family!
Come learn all about the game from rules to proper form/technique to equipment used. We’ll provide all the equipment and instruction that you will need thanks to local resident and Rolle Bolle enthusiast Lynn DeDecker. For more information contact Lynn DeDecker at 832-2353.
Date: Free Clinic: Sunday, April 24
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Willow Park rolle bolle courts

Youth Programs
Youth 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Grades 4th/5th and 6th/7th (Fall 2016/17)
Organize your own team and compete in this new summer 3 on 3 basketball tournament. COACHES REQUIRED!
Additional information
Fee: $75 per team (Min-3 players; Max-5 players)
Date: Saturday, May 14
Location: Thomas Park basketball courts
Registration Deadline: April 22, 2016

Little Sports Camp
Children Ages 3–4
Increase your child’s coordination and motor skills while sparking his/her interest in sports! Activities introduced during this program may include: t-ball, soccer, football, kickball, golf, and basketball. This program is set up to focus on each sport in a creative way that your child is sure to love. Limited number of spots available.
Fee: $33, includes program shirt
Days/Dates: Mondays AND Wednesdays, May 16–25
Time(s): 10-10:30 a.m.    OR   5:30-6 p.m.   (Choose One)
Location: Butterfield Park
Registration Deadlines: April 22, 2016

Adult Programs
Adult Wiffleball Tournament
Adults Ages 18+
Sign up for this new adult wiffleball tournament. No need to run the bases or worry about chasing never ending ground balls. If you can throw and catch a ball and swing a bat, this league is for you. There will be a captain’s meeting the week of April 25. Minimum of 6 teams required to hold tournament.
Fee: $50 per team (Min-3 players; Max-5 players)
Date: Saturday, May 7
Time: Games start at 10 a.m.
Location: To Be Determined
Registration Deadline: April 15, 2016

Please continue to visit our website as we add 2016 activities.

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.

MARION ARTS COUNCIL

Coffeehouse Night: Friday, April 8
Featuring Lojo Russo

7-8:30 p.m.
Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Desserts and coffee will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Marion Arts Council.

Exhibit at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center:
Perceptions of Nature, featuring the work of Barbara Weets-Caudill, watercolor artist and Jefferson Henshaw, multi-media artist on exhibit through April 30.

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

OTHER COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

Get Fit for a Bit
Need a mid-week recharge? The Marion Blue Zones® team will host a weekly walking moai at the Depot in City Square Park. Every Wednesday, April 6 through October 5. Meet at the Depot staircase at noon each week for a 20-30 minute walk through Uptown Marion.

Enjoy Coffee with a Cop
Members of the Marion Police Department will host Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, May 11 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Starbucks at the Marion HyVee.

Bike to Work Week Activities Planned for May 16-20
Marion's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC) is planning a number of fun activities for Bike to Work Week. Look for community bike ride opportunities and social events in the coming weeks.

5K4K9 Run/Walk set for June 4
Mark your calendars for the annual 5K4K9 Run/Walk to benefit the Marion Police Department’s K9 unit. It will take place Saturday, June 4 with the 5k starting at 8 a.m. followed by a kids’ 1-mile fun run at 9 a.m. The events will start and finish at the Linn-Mar Stadium on North 10^th Street with a slightly-modified route. Registration is now open at www.marionpolice5k4k9.com.

Facebook

Website

Twitter

UPCOMING EVENTS Family Programs

UPCOMING EVENTS
Family Programs