The City of Marion worked with Waters Edge Aquatic Design to perform an Outdoor Aquatic Center Feasibility Study. The study evaluated the condition of the existing Marion Swimming Pool and collected the community’s preferences, needs and priorities for outdoor swimming.

Final Report

This study gathered community feedback, reviewed the current facility to see if it could be a viable option and reviewed other potential sites. The consultant provided a recommendation on the site and provides a conceptual aquatic center for the City that includes cost estimates and an in depth business plan.The report was presented to Marion City Council on Aug. 17, 2021.

Status Update

Oct. 2023

The 2021 Outdoor Aquatic Feasibility Study recommended a $26 to $27 million facility, for all ages and abilities, designed to accommodate a growing community and attract out-of-area visitors.

The proposed concept includes a lazy river, three different slides, a leisure pool, a wave pool, a 25-yard lap pool with a ninja warrior obstacle course and a diving well that features a one-meter board and three-meter platform. (concept shown above)

The study recommends a 20-acre parcel to include the aquatic center, a parking lot and other recreational amenities such as playgrounds, greenspace and pavilions.

The City is currently in conversations with two property owners regarding land acquisition. The study's preferred location is close to the intersection of 35th Street and Munier Road, near Highway 100. It is just over a mile south of the current pool.

When considering potential locations, the consultant and steering committee evaluated the ease of pedestrian and vehicular access, the number of households within walking distance, placement of existing aquatic facilities like the YMCA, Linn-Mar Aquatic Center and splash pads, and more.

Following land acquisition, the City will engage in developing site plans which will include opportunities for additional community engagement and opportunities for feedback. This is expected to occur next summer.

In addition, a funding plan will be developed to model potential revenue sources to fund the construction. The plan includes a community referendum vote.

Upon approval of a referendum, construction is anticipated in 2026 or 2027. The Marion Pool at Willowood Park is expected to continue to operate until the new facility is built. 

Background

The Marion Swimming Pool was built in 1986 and opened in 1987. The pool includes a 50-meter lap pool, a 25-meter, cross-direction lap lane area, a diving area, a shallow training pool and a baby pool. Support facilities include a bathhouse and a filter building. In 2001, a spray park was added.

Over the past few years, attendance for the swimming pool has dropped, and the aging facility is experiencing ongoing and increasing maintenance. Through the Master Park Plan in 2016 and Marion’s ImagiNEXT project, the need was identified for an updated outdoor aquatic center to fit the needs of a growing population to attract visitors. With conditions of the existing swimming pool and the identified need for an updated outdoor aquatic center, the City commissioned an Outdoor Aquatic Center Feasibility Study to develop a plan that will provide direction on aquatic options and elements in the future that will meet the needs of the community.