Marion’s New Aquatic Center: Vote for the Future!

Sometimes things get a little long in the tooth. That might describe the Marion Swimming Pool, as it's almost 40 years old. Yep, you read that right—40 years! If this was the 1700s, this pool would be dead, but luckily it's 2025, and we can fix that kind of thing now. By fixing, I mean bulldozing it and building a whole new one.... fixed!

Here's what's is happening. The pool is pretty much hanging on by a thread, and guess what? It’s going to close as soon as something new is ready to roll. And that something new is the shiny, sparkling outdoor aquatic center you've been waiting for!

What Does Marion Want to Do?

The City has been talking about this for years—since 2016, to be exact. They’ve held visioning sessions, gathered input, and done studies to figure out what the community really wants. In 2021, they even conducted a big Feasibility Study to check if the current pool could survive a few more summers. No need to wait, spoiler alert: it can’t.

Are you ready for the fun part? They’ve already bought the land for the new center—a massive 24-acre plot at 31st Street and Munier Road. The catch? You have to vote on it. Yep, a referendum, or public vote, is coming in November 2025 to ask you if we’re ready to fund a brand-new aquatic center and revamp Willowood Park to make it all even better.

Your Voice Can Be Heard

But, here’s the thing—this isn’t just about voting. They want your input, too! Earlier this week, they held a public open house to hear from the neighborhood, and if you missed it, don’t worry. You’ve got until January 20 to fill out an online survey at www.cityofmarion.org/aquaticstudy. This is your chance to really have a say—don’t sleep on it!

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The best part? The Aquatic Center and Willowood Park redevelopment are going to happen together. That’s a ton of fun, a lot of water, and some great community vibes headed our way. It’s hard not to be excited about this, but honestly—let’s just hope they don’t drag their feet too long. Who doesn’t want a pool now? It's a bit cold, but some like it that way.

City of Marion Facebook/Canva/TSM

Where to Eat if You're Going to a Concert in Downtown Cedar Rapids

The next time you're headed to a concert in Downtown Cedar Rapids, leave a little earlier so you can enjoy one of the awesome local restaurants nearby! Here are the places with seating that are within walking distance of the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Theatre Cedar Rapids, and the Paramount Theatre (restaurants near the McGrath Amphitheatre are at the end):

Gallery Credit: Courtlin