Crews Take First Steps in Construction of Lowe Park Amphitheater

By Jill Kasparie, Reporter

Artist rendering of Lowe Park Amphitheater and art walk

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By Rachel Begle

Story Created: Sep 17, 2012 at 6:51 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 17, 2012 at 8:28 AM CDT

MARION, Iowa – Construction Crews are digging up the site of the future Lowe Park Amphitheater, marking the first steps in the $1.5 million project.

"Lowe Park is one of our community's gems. It's a 180 acre park and there are so many things happening here already but the amphitheater just seems like the perfect asset to compliment that,” said City Spokeswoman Amber Bisinger.

Crews are currently working on phase one of the project. That includes grading, some utilities and pathways to the future location of the amphitheater. City leaders expect to begin construction of the actual stage next year.

“An aggressive schedule will be right around April 1 of Next year. We’re trying to secure funding for it. We feel very confident that that will take place, we have received some grants so far, so things are looking good,” said Marion Parks & Recreation Department Director Richard Fox.

The amphitheater will have a pathway of sculptures surrounding it for people to enjoy. The stage itself will even be a work of art. It will be a large sculpture that looks like an oak tree.

“We were fortunate, a couple years back to pass the local option sales tax. The community voted that in. The city is providing $750,000 of the $1.5 million project. We have received 175,000 through the great places grant. We are going back to the state, reapplying for that,” said Marion Parks & Recreation Director Richard Fox.

The amphitheater will hold smaller shows and performances. Fox said the idea was for it to provide room for local events as the City of Marion continues to grow.

Organizers are aiming for a project completion date sometime in December of 2013.

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