Lowe Park Amphitheater Project Awarded Vision Iowa Grant

Last week, the Vision Iowa Board awarded more than $1.25 million in grants to six Iowa communities. Marion’s Lowe Park Amphitheater and Sculpture Trail project was the recipient of $250,311 from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund.

The Vision Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant,” said Mike Carolan, director of the Marion Parks and Recreation Department. “The Vision Iowa funds will be applied to the construction of the amphitheater stage and canopy. It will be exciting to see this community attraction become a reality in the coming months.”

The project features an amphitheater with a 50-foot wide stage that has an oak leaf-like sculptured canopy and an art sculpture trail. Utilities, storm water management and wetlands construction/ restoration are also included in the scope of the project. Construction is expected to be complete in December 2013.

The amphitheater and sculpture trail project grew out of the Marion Chamber’s Imagine8 community visioning process initiated in 2008. When complete, it will host public performing arts events as well as private celebrations.

To learn more about the project or to make a tax-deductible contribution or pledge, contact the Marion Park & Recreation Foundation at 319-377-4846 or Vic Klopfenstein at vpklopfenstein@msn.com.