April 2015 Newsletter

Marion Parks & Recreation Monthly Newsletter

- April 2015 -

CITY OFFICES TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF HOLIDAY
Marion City Hall and other City offices will be closed on Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday. Regular business hours resume on Monday, April 6.

JOIN US: Parks & Recreation Master Plan
The City of Marion has begun the development of a City-wide Parks and Recreation Master Plan which will guide the system for the next 10 years and beyond. Join us Wednesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to share your thoughts and desires for your parks system. The open house and interactive presentation will take place at Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10^th Street, Marion.

Plan encompasses Marion’s parks, trails, natural resources, aquatics and recreational programming. Community input is essential to this process.

PARKS NEWS

Thomas Park Safe Room:
As storm season approaches the following hours of operation apply to the storm shelter in Thomas Park, the FEMA certified Safe Room is in operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and is intended for use by patrons utilizing Thomas/Legion Park and the adjoining Marion School District's Sports Complex. The storm shelter will be in operation once Linn County Emergency Management issues a Tornado Warning for Linn County, specifically the Cedar Rapids-Marion Area.

Adopt-A-Spot

The Marion Adopt-A-Spot Program allows individuals or groups to adopt identified public areas. If interested, contact the Parks Administrative and Operations Office at 447-3580.

Coming Soon:
Pickle Ball Courts--Hanna Park

Outdoor Fitness Equipment--Hanna Park

Updates on these projects can be found on our website.

Tall Grass & Weeds: It is a violation of city code to have plants, grass, or weeds growing uncultivated and out of control at a height of 8 inches or more.

Urban Forestry Issues: Right of way trees, please call the Parks office 319-447-3580

UPCOMING EVENTS

The American Bison Open to all ages
Naturalist, Gail Barels, from Wickiup Hill Learning Center will talk about the Native American’s uses of the Bison. This program will meet at the Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center.

Fee: FREE, call 447-3590 to reserve your spot
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 14
Registration Deadline: April 10, 2015

B-I-N-G-O Night Open to All Ages
Join us at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center for a night of fun, socializing, and a chance to win some cash! Games of BINGO will be played for $.25 per card, per game and we will pay back 50% to the winner of each game. Participants are welcome to bring food and drinks to enjoy while they play. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Fee: $0.25 per card, per game
Dates: April 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Registration: Participants need to RSVP by calling the recreation office at 447-3590.

DON'T MISS IT!
Coffeehouse Night returns to Lowe Park on Friday, April 10, featuring Natalie Brown. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Concerts are free and open to the public, thanks to the efforts of the Marion Arts Council. Coffee and treats will be available for purchase.

Online Registration: Cogran is our provider. You will need to have a PayPal account to complete registrations.

Kick Star Soccer
3 year old boys & girls
Dates: May 5-14
Register by: April 10

Blastball
3-4 year old boys & girls
Dates: June 4-July 9
Register by: April 10

Kids N Canvas
Ages 6 and older
Date: Saturday, May 9, 1:00 p.m.
Register by: May 1

Little Sports Camp
3-4 year old boys & girls
Dates May 19-28,
Register by: May 1

PeeWee Baseball/Softball
Boys 5-8, Girls entering K-2nd grade in fall
Dates: June 4-July 18
Register by: April 10

Adult Wiffleball Tournament
Date: Saturday, May 2
Register by: April 10

3 on 3 Summer Basketball Tournament
Boys and Girls, 3rd-8th grades
Dates: May 30 & 31
Register by: May 1

Backyard Games Camp
7-12 year old boys & girls
Dates: May 19-28
Register by: May 1

Parks & Recreation Brochures Available
Your 2015 Guide to All Things Parks & Recreation is now available online or that the following locations: Marion Public Library, Lowe Park, Thomas Park and Marion City Hall.

Keep Us in Mind for your Special Events
Pavilions, The Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center and Thomas Park Safe Room are all great venues for weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, birthdays, baby showers, meetings and more. facility rental information

Splash Pads:
Thomas & Gill Parks: open daily 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Willowood Park: open during regular pool hours, regular pool admission fees apply to use the splash pad within the confines of the pool.

THINK SUMMER!
Seasonal swim passes are now available for purchase at the offices at Lowe and Thomas parks. Purchase an individual pass for $100, a family pass for $190 or a family pass that includes a babysitter for $265.

Marion Sharks Swim Team
6-18 boys & girls
Dates: June -July
Register by: May 1

Swim Lesson Registration Day
Saturday, April 18
8 a.m. - noon | Lowe Park
class schedule
$32 per child per session

Marion Pool Opens Monday, May 25

General pool information

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