Construction Underway on Central Plaza in City Square Park

Marion's Central Plaza grew out of the ImagiNEXT community visioning process and is a continuation of the North Plaza that was constructed as part of the 7^th Avenue Reconstruction and Streetscape project in 2021 and 2022.

The Central Plaza will activate the park year-round by providing flexible space for daily outdoor use and special events throughout the year.

The eastern section of the park and vacated portion of 11th Street will be transformed to include a refrigerated ice-skating loop, enclosure of the Depot Pavilion, year-round public restrooms, live performance space, engaging water features, an interactive play sculpture, public art, seating and more. Perennial plantings, native trees, commemorative bricks and decorative lighting will be added to enhance the space.

The City is partnering with RDG Planning and Design as the design firm and Rinderknecht Associates as the construction manager. A steering committee, technical committee and small group of event planners have helped inform the design process and an art committee will guide the art selection process.

The $8.35 million project has received broad public and private support including a $3 million Destination Iowa grant. The Marion Park Foundation is leading a $1.3 million private fundraising campaign and the remaining costs will be covered by local option sales tax funds and general obligation bonds.

Work began on the project in March 2024 and is expected to be substantially completed by December 2024. Some amenities, including the chiller for the ice loop, have extended lead times, so it is unlikely the ice loop will be operational next winter.

Stay informed of project progress at www.cityofmarion.org/CentralPlaza.