Nothing hurts a program more than missed deadlines. Please register early to ensure we have adequate numbers to hold our programs, allowing you and your child the opportunity to participate in the desired activity. Registering before the deadline also helps ensure that we have enough time to order any necessary equipment or supplies for the program. We cannot guarantee there will be any openings after the deadline has passed. Once a program is full, participants may choose to be placed on a waiting list.

Confirmation

We do NOT send confirmation notices of registrations. Please assume your class/program will be held at the time and place indicated unless you are notified otherwise.

Correspondence

We communicate primarily through email. It is beneficial for you to provide us with a valid email address, so we can communicate effectively with you regarding various program offerings. If you do not have an email address, you can request to have your information mailed to you. We do send out a monthly e-newsletter that is emailed directly to you the first week of each month. These newsletters have registration deadline reminders, upcoming programs, park news, and much more. If you would like to be placed on this list, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 447-3590 or email Karlene Hummel.

All fees are due at the time of your registration. Cash, check, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) are accepted. Checks should be made out to Marion Parks and Recreation. There is a $25 fee for returned checks.

Refunds can be processed in one of two ways; household credit or refunding of funds. Refunds will be processed and returned to your credit card or a check will be issued if you paid by check or cash. Refunds can take up to 15 business days to process.

Refund Policy:

Refunds will be given for withdrawals from an activity prior to the start of the event, less a $10 administrative fee per transaction. There are no refunds after a program has started and fees will not be prorated if you chose to register for a program late. Credit can be made to your RecDesk household account or refund will be credited back to your credit card. Exceptions may be approved by the Parks and Recreation Director or their designee.

Examples:

1. John signs his grandsons up for a camp. He calls to cancel both; we charge a $10 administrative fee and refund the program fees (one fee, one transaction).

2. John signs his grandsons up for a camp. He cancels Jim and leaves Joe in the program; we charge a $10 administrative fee and refund the applicable program fee. He calls to cancel Joe a week later which is another refund transaction; we charge a $10 administrative fee and refund the applicable program fee (two fees, two transactions).

A non-refundable late fee of $10 per individual registration will be added after the registration deadline has passed.

The Marion Parks & Recreation Department recognizes that there are Marion residents who are financially unable to participate in programs offered by the Recreation Department, but desire the opportunity to experience the benefits of leisure activities. The department has established RecAssist as a supplement of funds to make recreation and swimming programs available to Marion residents.  
Marion residents who are experiencing financial difficulty or who are in a unique, hardship situation are eligible to apply for assistance. It is understood that from time to time families may encounter some unforeseen and unfortunate circumstance. If you feel you need assistance, but do not meet the income guidelines, you may attach a letter to your assistance application stating your circumstances.  These special circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  
Financial assistance forms are available online or at either Thomas Park or Lowe Park offices. You will need to return completed assistance form and required proof of income to one of our offices. If approved, you will be required to make 50% co-payment of the recreation program, swimming pool pass and/or pool programs. Those that are approved will need to contact our recreation office when registering for programs or passes to enable for the assistance participation fees.  

Participants in any Marion Parks and Recreation program assume responsibility for any risk, implicit or direct, by participation in said activity. Many programs involve body contact, substantial physical exertion, emotional stress and/or use of equipment, which represents a certain inherent risk to users. It is recommended you check with your physician prior to participating.

The City of Marion’s Parks and Recreation Department does not provide individual accident liability insurance.

Cancellations are posted on this website and can also be found on the Marion Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page. If school is canceled due to inclement weather, ALL Parks and Recreation activities will be canceled as well. If school is canceled or dismissed early on a Friday, then ALL Friday AND Saturday recreation activities are canceled. Summer activities will be canceled in the event of a heat warning being issued. Every effort will be made to reschedule any missed programs. However, due to facility and staff availability, we cannot guarantee the make-ups will be at the same time, day, or location.

To assign teams fairly and randomly, volunteer coaches may pick one assistant. If a program needs more than two coaches per team, Marion Parks and Recreation will assign the additional assistants from names of volunteers appearing on the registration forms. You will be notified of your team assignment by your assigned coach or emailed the information directly from the Parks and Recreation Department. Children will be randomly assigned to teams. Children living in the same household will be placed on the same team if they are in the same division. No special team or carpooling requests, please!

Many of our youth recreational programs and leagues utilize volunteer parents/adults to serve as coaches. These volunteer coaches are key to making many of our programs a success. Without the generous spirit and time commitment by volunteers, these programs would not be possible. Volunteer coaches are expected to be a positive role model for players, parents and spectators. They teach age-appropriate skills and fundamentals as well as promote good sportsmanship and fairness at all times. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please indicate that on your child’s registration form or contact the Parks and Recreation office at (319) 447-3590. All volunteer coaches are required to pass a background check and complete a non-statutory volunteer coverage application prior to beginning coaching.

Photos are occasionally taken of participants in our programs, classes, or activities and of people enjoying our parks. Please be aware that these photos may be used in future programs, brochures, websites, fliers or news releases. Parents are welcome to share photos of their child participating in any of our recreational programs or activities at their own discretion. Photos may be used in various Marion Parks and Recreation publications and marketing materials.

All participants in Marion Parks and Recreation programs, including players, parents, spectators, coaches and officials, will treat each other with courtesy and respect at all times, no exceptions! With Marion Parks and Recreation, good sportsmanship is not only expected, it is REQUIRED!