Marion is ablaze with renewal

All of Marion's community flowerbeds and parks are blooming with activity. Do you and your family enjoy being physically active? Like to bike or walk the trails or splash around in a municipal pool?  Just like being outdoors? Want fresh produce and homemade items from a Farmers Market? You're going to love our community!

Our community his home to 17 parks, one municipal swimming pool (which includes a splash pad and shallow pools for the young ones), a historical cemetery, a nature trail and much more. Several modern playgrounds, baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, disc golf and sand volleyball courts are also open for both organized and general play (as weather permits). 

Pavilions are available for 2006 summer rental at Thomas Park, Hanna Park, Willowood Park and City Square Park. Facilities are also being pre-booked at the (still under construction) Lowe Park Arts and Environmental Center. Reservations are made in six hour increments for a nominal fee. Information on reservations may be obtained by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 377-4846 or by visiting their web site. 

Taube Park, 2200 31st St., features eight acres of mostly open play. There is a small picnic pavilion (no reservations required), a small sunshade shelter, playground equipment, and a hard-surface basketball court.

Hanna Park, 775 Fairview Dr., is a total of 15 acres. This park features a pavilion (reservations required) with restrooms, playground equipment, horseshoe court and a volleyball net. 

Thomas and Legion parks, 335 Marion Blvd., is 50 acres and probably one of the community's most used facilities. They offer three picnic pavilions (reservations required), sand volleyball courts, horseshoe courts, playground equipment, a softball diamond, hiking trails, tennis courts, ice rink (seasonal), 18-hole disc golf course, a sliding hill and restrooms.

Willowood Park, 1855 35th St., is 10 acres and features the municipal swimming pool and splash pad. There is a small picnic pavilion with restrooms (reservations required), two small picnic sunshade shelters and playground equipment for smaller children.

Donnelly Park, 290 W 8th Ave., is 19 acres and includes a small picnic sunshade shelter (no reservation required), ball diamond, playground equipment, basketball goals, and a volleyball area. This park also offers parking and is an entrance to the Boyson Park Trail.

Peg Pierce Softball Complex, 3205 Third Ave., features the softball diamonds, restrooms, concession stand, playground equipment and picnic tables. 

Starry Park, 1480 Grand Ave., is the home of the Marion Youth Baseball diamonds. It features a concession stand, restrooms and picnic tables. 

Marion Farmers Market, 3375 7th Ave., is open during the late spring to early fall on Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The market offers a variety of produce, baked goods, flowers and crafts. There is plenty of free parking.

For a complete list of Marion Parks and detailed information about the municipal swimming pool, please visit the Marion Parks and Recreation web site.

• Linn County Trails Association
• Cedar Valley Nature Trail
• Hawkeye Bicycle Association
• Iowa Trails Council
• Rails to Trails
• Indian Creek Nature Center
• Iowa State Parks
• Cedar Valley Running Association

• City of Marion
• City of Cedar Rapids
• City of Hiawatha
• Linn County Parks

• Personal Trainer
  Janel Neef
• Curves
• Metro YMCA
• Midwest Athletic Club
• Hawkeye Downs
• US Cellular Center
• CR Kernels
• Science Station/IMAX
• BMX Track
• Riverside Skate Park