MARION PARKS AND
RECREATION
2013
ANNUAL REPORT
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Greeting Letter ........................................................................... 4
Mission Statement...................................................................... 5
Park and Recreation Employees ................................................. 6
Citizen Requests ......................................................................... 8
Pavilion Reservations .................................................................. 8
Oak Shade Cemetery .................................................................. 8
Park Operation and Activities ................................................... 10
Arts Center Activities ................................................................ 19
Recreation ................................................................................ 20
Swimming Pool ......................................................................... 33
Arts Council .............................................................................. 38
Front cover: Permanent Parks and Recreation Staff. Back row, left to right: Aaron VanMilligan,
Scott Sagers, Matt Nissen, Mike Carolan, Tony Ireland, Eric Mathis, and Ed Chalstrom. Front row,
left to right: Paul Giegerich, Pat Carlson, Darcie Coberly, Karlene Hummel, MaryAnn Bries, and
Mike Cimprich.
2
3
A letter from the Director:
As I look out my office window I see a snow covered landscape and a playground void of activity, and in
the background the voice on the radio stating that it is 10 degrees below zero, I take another sip of my
coffee and reflect on this past year.
After over 30 years of community service, Ed Begley retired from the Park Board. Personally it has been a
pleasure to work with Ed over the past twelve years. From all of us in the department, we thank him for his dedication and
guidance. Kyle Martin, one of the up and coming “movers and shakers” in the community, has been appointed by the City
Council to take Ed’s place on the board.
Over this past year the department went through a self-evaluation process. This included looking at how we could be more
efficient and more customer-friendly; we also looked at the organizational structure of the department. Many changes
came out of this. Our administrative personnel moved to the Operations Building in Thomas Park and our Recreation Staff
headed by our long time Recreation Coordinator Karlene Hummel, took over the day to day operations of the Art and
Environment Center. Two new positions that support the recreation division were filled; Mary Ann Bries was hired as an
Administrative Assistant and Tony Ireland was brought on board as our Recreation Supervisor. In a very short time Karlene
and her recreation staff have created over 16 new recreational opportunities for our community and many more are in the
development stage for 2014.
Aaron VanMilligan, a long time city employee, took over the reins of our Operations Division in 2013. Prior to the Parks
Department Aaron worked at the Public Service Department. Our operation staff was faced with several challenges this past
year, but they rose to the occasion every time. Our trail system along Indian and Dry Creek was flooded three times; about
the time the trail system was repaired it, would be flooded again. From very wet we went to drought, for almost three
straight months we had personnel watering trees and flower beds daily. With all these challenges, our operations staff
completed repairs to the Oak Shade Cemetery Roads, constructed a basketball court/ice rink in Thomas Park, worked with
the Public Service Department to complete the hard surfacing of the Lindale Trail west to the CR city limits, constructed an
asphalt trail into the pavilion at Taube Park, constructed a Rolle Bolle Court at Willow Park, and started the prep work for to
new pavilions in Thomas Park.
The highest profile project this past year has been the construction of the Amphitheater in Lowe Park and development of
the Sculpture Trail. Projects like this could not be accomplished without our great community partners, including area
businesses, non-profits, Arts Council and all the individuals that donate their valuable time and dollars to support our cause;
a big “thank you” from all of us in the Parks and Recreation Department.
2014 looks to be another exciting and challenging year. The Tree Board will be faced with the task of addressing the spread
of the Emerald Ash Borer and its impact on the city’s tree canopy. The Amphitheater will come on line with a dedication
scheduled for the first weekend in May. Gill Park will see the addition of a new splash pad. Development of Master Plans
for both trails and parks will be an undertaking. The Department will also be assuming all Urban Forestry duties and Right
of Way mowing responsibilities.
In closing, I would like to thank the Marion Park Board, City Council and all City Departments for their continued support and
I would be remiss not to give a special thanks to the individual that keeps us all in line, my very dedicated Administrative
Assistant Darcie Coberly.
Get out and enjoy our parks and trails…..well maybe when it warms up. For now, I’m off to get another cup of Joe!!
Mike
4
MISSION STATEMENT
The Marion Parks and Recreation Department shall provide and maintain quality parks, facilities,
open/natural space, programs, and service which will enhance the physical, social, and emotional
wellbeing of all the citizens of Marion.
Marion Park and Recreation Goal Statements
Promote community involvement in the planning and operation of all facets of the Parks and Recreation
Department operations.
To allow for orderly growth and development of physical and natural resources.
To incorporate within the department and its programs, new technologies and processes that will make
services more cost effective.
To develop systems of information and guidance to provide for a more effective delivery of activities and
services.
To more effectively coordinate park and recreation services with other related services to improve the
overall service for the community.
To offer comprehensive, quality recreational programming aimed at satisfying the needs of varying age
levels, physical abilities, and special interests.
To maintain and improve the appearance of parks and existing facilities throughout Marion at a high
standard of quality on a systematic/scheduled basis.
To utilize the natural characteristics of the land, when evaluating the potential for parks and recreation
purposes.
To periodically assess and evaluate the recreational needs of the citizens of Marion.
To make park and recreation participation as simple and convenient as possible to clientele and treat
patrons like valued customers.
Provide efficient and effective administrative direction, coordination and leadership for quality leisure
services throughout Marion.
To effectively communicate programs to prospective patrons through sound marketing practices.
5
2013
MARION PARK BOARD
Ed Begley  Terry Speral  Charlie Kress
Patty Wise  John McIntosh
PARK AND RECREATION EMPLOYEES
PARK OFFICE STAFF
Mike Carolan
Karlene Hummel
Tony Ireland
Darcie Coberly
Trudy Stenersen
Mary Ann Bries
Pat Carlson
Jo Moore
Director of Parks and Recreation
Recreation/Aquatics Coordinator
Permanent Part Time Recreation Supervisor, effective July 15
Administrative Assistant
Permanent Part Time Administrative Assistant, June - October
Permanent Part Time Administrative Assistant, effective November 4
Part Time Administrative Cemetery Clerk
Part Time Secretary
PARK MAINTENANCE
Aaron Van Milligan
Ed Chalstrom
Paul Giegerich
Eric Mathis
Matt Nissen
Scott Sagers
Mike Cimprich
Parks Operations and Facilities Manager
Maintenance Supervisor
Parks Operations
Parks Operations
Parks Operations
Parks Operations
Parks Operations
PART TIME/SEASONAL EMPLOYEES
PARK MAINTENANCE
Randy Beadle
Colin LeBeau
Mike Biechler
Hugh Ellingson
Ray Schmidt
Peter Ickes
Mike Oldfather
Devin LeBeau
Megan Gehl
Trevor Chalstrom
Mike Rausch
Broc Dobling
Jerry Schmidt
We also had numerous volunteers who donated their time maintaining many of flower beds.
ARTS & ENVIRONMENT CENTER BUILDING SUPERVISORS
Suanne Huffman
Abbey Stenersen
Hannah Gamble
Connor Rudish
Kyle Goerdt
Connor Goerdt
RECREATION ASSISTANTS
Peg Pierce
Cara Reilly
Colin Reilly
Zach Mulvihill
Bret McNeil
Aaron Sloterdyk
Thomas Ickes
Keegan Birkicht
Kody Bellach
Kyle Goerdt
Taylor Richardson
Morgan Binder
Morgan Diestler
Keirsten Freese
Ryan Downing
Colin Gorton
Connor Rudish
AJ Hunter
Alex Allington
Sarah Tegtmeier
Courtney Hackett
Emily Giedraitis
Trevor Coberly
Christopher Ball
6
Jay Moore
Colin Reilly
Cara Reilly
Connor Ironside
Connor Goerdt
Christopher Ball
Michael Ball
Thomas Ball
Gabe Miller
Devon Coberly
Luke Sloterdyk
VOLUNTEER COACHES
JASON ADAMS
J.T. ANDERSON
PAUL ANDERSON
DARIN ANDRESEN
MEGAN ANDRESEN
ANGELA ARNOLD
BRENT ASKELSON
BRETT ASKELSON
TRAVIS AXEEN
BEN BARRY
TIM BARCZ
JUSTIN BARTLING
CATHY BARUTH
BRANDON BAUER
KYLE BECKER
RENAE BECKER
JASON & KRISTEN BEECH
JAMES BINGHAM
MIKE BOOTH
RYAN BRAINARD
JAY BRANDT
TRAVIS BROELL
ANN BRUNSON
JAMIE BURESH
BARB BURINGTON
SHELBY BURNS
JAKE BURRINGTON
BRENDA BUSH
TODD BUSH
WES CARPTENER
MAGGIE CASEBOLT
JENNIFER CHRISTOFFERSON
JAMES CLOYD
JEFF COLE
NICHOLAS COLE
JOHN CROSEN
KIM DAHL
JAY DANNINGER
MICHAEL DART
TOM DAUBS
BRIAN DEAL
AJ DELANEY
CHRIS DEWOLF
MARK DOUGHERTY
DAVE DOWNEY
LANNY DOWNING
MICHAEL DUFFY
PHIL DUNNE
ERIC DYBVIG
JIM EDGORF
EFREN ESPARZA III
ROB FASSLER
JON FEIST
RICK FRY
TODD GASSMAN
ADAM GERSDORF
RUSS GERST
RYAN GILLILAND
SCOTT GOODRICH
AMANDA GREER
JANNY GUENTHER
GIDGET HAGMEIR
KEVIN HAHN
RACHELLE HAKER
BILL HALLAM
JAMES HANCOX
DONALD HANSEN
EUGENE HARPER
BRAD HAVERBACK
BRIAN HEINIRICY
JENNY HERTING
MATT HINRICHS
BILL HOEFLE
AARON HOPP
JEREMY HORA
DERRICK HORVATH
BILL HOEFLE
MATT HOSKINS
DAVE HOWARD
SCOTT IRELAND
DEREK JENSEN
KURT JESSE
AMY JOHNSON
ANDY JOHNSON
JEREMY KELLER
DARLENE KETCHUM
CHRIS KETELSEN
MATT KIESLING
TOM KINNEY
JESSE KINZENBAW
STACY KLESNER
SHAWYN KORANDO
SARAH & JEFF KRESS
MATT KRIGBAUM
BRAD KRUEGER
MATT KRUEGER
LLOYD KUENNEN
TODD & SHANNON KUENNEN
BRENT KUHN
CHAD LAGRANGE
DANA & STEVE LAMPE
JAY LARSON
TIM LEUCK
JEFF LIPPER
CHRIS LOFFSWOLD
JJ LONGERBEAM
JAMES LYNN
BRIAN MACEK
SEAN MATYAS
DAVID MCEOWEN
MIKE MCMANUS
DUANE MCNULTY
STEVE MEEKER
DAVE MESCH
RYAN MILLER
DAN MOORE
KEN MORRIS
BRIAN MROZEK
HEATH MUELLER
TIM MUILENBURG
ERIK NAAKTGEBOREN
DON NEILAND
JOE NIETERT
CHAD NOEHREN
7
ANTHONY NURRE
LYNN OEHLER
RYAN OLSON
TARYN O’TOOLE-MOHR
MARK OTTING
TROY PAGE
TAY PARKER
PAUL PELLETIER
MIKE PENALUNA
MIKE PFEIFFER
STEVE PINT
STEVE PITTS
ALAN POLNIAK
ERIC POSPISIL
BRAD POTTER
ALAN READ
DAVE REISNER
ABBEY REYNOLDS
CHRIS RICHARDS
JEREMY RICHERT
CHRIS ROBERTSON
DUSTIN RODRIGUEZ
DUSTIN ROSKOP
JEFF RUDISH
RICK SCHIEK
CLINTON SCHMITZ
MIKE SCHOOLEY
JIM SHEEHAN
BART SHINDELAR
ADAM SIEGELE
KEEVAN SIMMONDS
JEFF SIMONEAU
ANGELA SMITH
BRIAN SOENEN
VICTORIA SPAIN
ANGELA SPINK
JARROD STABNEW
KEVIN STEARNS
TONY STEPHENS
KOREY STILLMAN
TODD STOFFEL
BILL STROSCHEIN
BRIAN STUDIER
TODD SUDBECK
JERMEY SUITER
CHAD THURM
MELANIE TOWNSEND
KATHY TURNER
JASON UPTON
DOUG VERGE
JUSTIN WAGNER
GREG WEBSTER-MOORE
DOUG WHITE
RYAN WIESELER
GREG WIESSE
KAREN WILDHAGEN
MATT WILDMAN
JULIA WITTNEBEL
CHAD WURSTER
KEVIN WEBER
RYAN YOUNG
FELICIA VERA
CITIZEN REQUESTS
The Marion Parks and Recreation Department has the responsibility for handling citizen requests as it
relates to tall grass/weeds, ice and snow on sidewalks, and tree issues.
2013 “Citizen Requests” Received
Snow/Ice
Parks had to remove the Snow/Ice
58
1
Tall Grass/Weeds
Parks mowed the property
164
60
PAVILION RESERVATIONS
Green
English
Safe Room
Depot
Hanna
Taube
2013 Rentals
121
97
42
93
61
31
2013 Users
4,965
6,370
1,648
1,770
2,945
1,157
The Depot in City Square Park hosted many community events including the Marion Farmers Market, Marion
Arts Festival, BBQ Rendezvous, Marion by Moonlight, Marion Community Band Concerts, Uptown Marion
Markets, Marion Big Band Concerts, Uptown Getdown, the Swamp Fox Festival, and Christmas in the Park.
OAK SHADE CEMETERY
Burials
Spaces Sold
27
49
8
9
2013
PARKS OPERATIONS
REPORT
10
Park Projects 2013
3 Flood Events – Cleanup of Grounds and Repair of Trails
120 Trees Planted in Street Right-Of-Way
Marion Arts Festival – Prep Before and Cleanup After
City Garage Sale at Thomas Park
One Day in May – Planting Of Trees along 10th St and Cleanup of Parks
Mulching of Gardens and Traffic Islands throughout City
Design and Construction of City Hall Gardens
Cemetery Head Stones Repaired
Spring and Fall Cemetery Clean Up
Pool Start Up and Shut Down
Set Up of Art Sculptures On Lowe Park Art Trail
Over-Seeding Of Lowe Amphitheater Project
Removed Old Playground Structure in Hanna Park
Construction of Rolle Bolle Courts in Willow Park
Tree Watering – 700 Man Hours
New Surface Material All Playgrounds
Lowe Gardens – Tilled Spring and Fall
Lowe Gardens – Weekly Debris Removal
Installation of Bollards at Trail Head Entrances
Mowing Complaints
Trimming of Trees throughout Park System
Spring and Fall Broadleaf Control
Weekly Mowing Routes
15 Ball Diamonds Groomed Daily April – August
Weekly and Monthly Parks Trimming
Playgrounds Power Washed and Touchup Painting
Cemetery Asphalt Road Project – Replaced Damaged Roads with assistance from Public Service
Installation of Asphalt Pathway to Taube Pavilion
Lindale Trail Asphalt Project – Asphalting Of Trail to Lindale Drive with assistance from Public Service
Basketball Court/Ice Rink Construction in Thomas Park
Swamp Fox and City Park Prep
Football Fields Prep Weekly – In Season
Weekly Cleaning Of Splash Pad Surface
Seasonal shutdown and winterize Thomas Park Splash Pad
Fall Leaf Collection throughout City Parks and Facilities
Finish Grading and Seeding Lowe Park
11
SPRING FLOODING
12
THOMAS PARK FLOOD
13
DROP BOXES LOCATED AT BOTH
THOMAS AND LOWE PARK
14
KLOPFENSTEIN AMPHITHEATER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
15
NEW BASKETBALL COURT AT THOMAS PARK
TWO NEW ROLLE BOLLE COURTS AT WILLOW PARK
16
BASKETBALL / ICE RINK RIBBON CUTTING
ENJOYING THE NEW ICE RINK
17
CEMETERY ASPHALT ROAD PROJECT
ONE DAY IN MAY – PLANTING OF TREES ALONG 10TH STREET
LINDALE TRAIL ASPHALT PROJECT
18
2013
ARTS & ENVIRONMENT CENTER ACTIVITIES
Senior Dining
The Senior Dining Site is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.;
meals are prepared by Horizons and delivered to the building. The number of participants varies each
day depending on what other activities are being offered that day.
Monday:
Senior Dancing
Tuesday:
Wednesday: 500 Cards and Line Dancing
Thursday:
Bingo
Friday:
Pinochle
Marion Arts Council
The Marion Arts Council coordinates ongoing art displays at the center with each display lasting
approximately six to eight weeks. There also is a display wall for local schools that hosts artwork for
four weeks on a rotating schedule. Each exhibit has an artist’s reception to meet the artist and learn
about the art work. The Council also hosts Coffeehouse Nights during the winter months and is
responsible for organizing art workshops and classes.
ARTS & ENVIRONMENT CENTER EVENTS
2013 Paid Rentals
263
Description
Senior Activities; Dances, Cards, and Bingo
Congregate Meal Days/Meals Served
Family Gatherings
Graduation Parties
Wedding Rehearsal Dinners
Weddings & Wedding Receptions
Meetings / Work Events / School Events
Marion Arts Council Events
Hip Hop Line Dancing
Parks and Recreation Activities
Blood Drive
Election Day
Building Visitors
TOTALS
2013 Free Rentals*
559
# of events
290
241
88
49
14
25
79
54
26
107
12
2
987
# of participants
4,678
4,760
4,555
735
2,630
3,926
838
675
321
438
292
23,848
*Free Rentals include Senior Activities, Congregate Meals, Blood Drives, Arts Council Events, and Department
related meetings and events.
19
2013
RECREATION
2009
POOL REPORT
END OF THE
YEAR REPORT
20
2013 was an exciting year! We added two new positions at Lowe Park in July; a
Permanent Part-time Administrative Assistant and a Permanent Part-time
Recreation Supervisor. With the addition of the Recreation Supervisor we are
able to add more programs for all ages. These programs are a mixture of
sports, crafts and even some cooking classes. We are creating new
partnerships for additional programs with the Linn County Conservation
Department and Westfield Tennis Club. Our participation numbers have started
to rise and we are anticipating an even bigger increase in 2014.
In January, our activity brochure was mailed to 2,241 families; that’s an increase
of 322 families using our programs in 2013. In 2011 we began a monthly ENewsletter that reached 603 e-mail addresses; at the end of 2013 that list has
grown to 1,431 e-mail addresses.
The spring weather was an issue for baseball/softball tournaments and games
out at the Lowe Park Ball Diamonds. We had three tournaments and 11
different week night games get cancelled due to the rain. We had seven
tournament weekends, three State Baseball tournament weekends and 37
nights of weekly games. The Marion Indians Youth Baseball and Linn Mar Lions
Youth Baseball Leagues use our diamonds for their week night “home” games.
Even with all of the rainouts, we still saw a profit of almost $7,000.00 at the Lowe
Concessions stand.
Thank you to Linn Mar Schools for allowing us to use their gyms to run our
basketball league. We ran programs in four of their facilities.
Thank you to all the Parks and Recreation staff. Everyone plays an important
part in our success whether taking registrations, answering questions, or helping
to maintain the playing surfaces.
Last but not least, thank you to all of the volunteer coaches, parents, and
players for making 2013 a successful year!
Karlene Hummel
Recreation/Aquatic Coordinator
21
PEEWEE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
We saw a slight increase of 3% in 2013 among the four different divisions;
boys 5-6, boys 7-8, girls entering kindergarten, and girls entering first and
second grades. There were 44 teams to schedule out with practices and
games. A total of 93 parents volunteered to coach these teams.
Practices start in mid-May with games starting the first weekend in June, and
they play either Friday night or Saturday mornings at various city parks.
PEEWEE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL 2013
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
22
2004
490
2005
559
2006
560
2007
566
2008
599
2009
571
2010
545
2011
564
2012
540
2013
555
BLASTBALL
In 2013 we played Blastball Thursday nights on our upper PeeWee fields at Lowe Park.
We added a 3 year old Blastball division to our program that was originally only for 4
year olds. We had four teams of 3 year olds, and 12 teams of 4 year olds.
Blastball is a fast paced game similar to T-ball. This program is instructional where they
work on hitting, throwing, catching, and fielding the first twenty minutes and then play
a game of Blastball for twenty-five minutes. The game consists of hitting the ball off a
tee, and then running to a base 30 feet out that makes a “honking” sound before
someone from the other team fields the ball and yells “Blast!”
BLASTBALL 2013
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
3 YEAR OLD
BLASTBALL,
SUMMER 2013
2004
106
2005
96
2006
85
2007
86
30
2008
96
25
2009
96
20
2010
108
15
2011
112
10
2012
111
5
2013
108
0
23
2012
2013
27
0
YOUTH FLAG & PEEWEE FLAG FOOTBALL
PeeWee football is an instructional program open to boys and girls in
kindergarten and first grades. During the first two nights different skills are
practiced. The last four nights are spent reviewing and playing football games.
Flag Football is open to boys and girls in 2nd /3rd and 4th/5th grades. Games are
played on Saturday mornings with coaches scheduling practices during the
week. All games are played at Lowe Park on the outfields of the four peewee
diamonds. We can fit in three football fields within this area.
PEEWEE FOOTBALL
2013
250
FLAG FOOTBALL
2013
300
2004 140
2005 141
200
250
2006 213
2007 140
150
200
2008 115
2010 126
100
2011 127
50
2006 286
2007 169
2009 125
2010
94
2011 151
2012 126
2013
2005 203
2008 167
150
2009 100
100
2004 225
50
129
0
0
24
2012 154
2013
141
LITTLE STARS BASKETBALL
Little Stars Basketball is open to youth four years of age. It is structured to teach
young players the basic motor skills necessary to play organized basketball,
while working one-on-one with a parent. They work on dribbling, ball handling,
shooting, passing, catching, running and agility without the threat of
competition or the fear of getting hurt.
PEEWEE BASKETBALL
PeeWee basketball is open to children in kindergarten and first grades. They
meet for five Saturdays with the first two as instructional and the remaining three
days for scrimmaging.
LITTLE STARS
BASKETBALL 4 YEAR
OLDS 2013
PEEWEE BASKETBALL
2013
250
200
150
100
2004
186
2005
166
2006
80
2004 12
192
70
2005 39
2007
192
60
2008
200
50
2009
199
2010
224
2007 64
2011 177
50
2006 32
2012 155
2013 168
0
2009 39
30
2010 39
20
2011 60
10
2012 44
0
25
2008 72
40
2013 57
YOUTH BASKETBALL
Our basketball program is set up to be an instructional league. They work on
the basic fundamental skills of basketball, while also focusing on teamwork and
sportsmanship and mainly having “FUN”. Teams schedule weekly practices and
have six Saturdays of games. We continue to use Linn Mar School gyms. There
were a total of 24 teams with 40 volunteer coaches.
BASKETBALL 2013
2004 228
300
2005 228
250
2006 246
2007 261
200
2008 266
150
2009 283
2010 267
100
2011 244
50
2012 257
2013 221
0
SPORTS CAMP: 4 YEAR OLDS
This program will increase a child’s coordination and motor skills while sparking
an interest in sports! Activities introduced during this program included T-Ball,
Soccer and Football. This program is set up to focus on each sport in a creative
way that your child is sure to love. Program was held at Lowe Park.
SPORTS CAMP 2013
25
2011 20
2012 21
20
2013 23
15
26
KICK START SOCCER 3 YEAR OLDS
Kick Start Soccer is structured to teach the very basic skills involved with soccer.
It is a lot of fun to interact with these young participants and watch them
develop even over four short weeks. They don’t take things too seriously and
that is what makes it so much fun.
KICK STAR SOCCER 2013
TINY GOAL KICKERS
SOCCER 2013
90
2004
59
80
2005
58
70
2006
52
60
2007
72
50
2008
64
2009
70
2010
58
40
30
20
10
250
200
150
100
2011 72
50
2012 81
2004
107
2005
131
2006
140
2007
216
2008
211
2009
123
2010
140
2011
175
2012 201
2013 66
0
0
2013 166
TINY GOAL KICKERS
Tiny goal Kickers is an instructional soccer program open to four, five, and
six year olds. The first couple of nights that we meet, we work only on skills. The
remaining three nights are spent working on a few skills and then having
scrimmage games. We meet at Butterfield Park for this activity.
27
LITTLE PIGSKINS
This program is open to boys and girls 4 years of age. Children learn the basics
of football without the contact. Instructors combine fun and fundamentals
through skill-building exercises. Kids also learn the importance of sportsmanship.
Program held at both Butterfield and Lowe Parks. Little Tykes was held in the
mornings while Lil’ Pigskins was an afternoon program.
LITTLE PIGSKINS
FOOTBALL 2013
INDOOR BLASTBALL
3 YEAR OLDS 2013
30
30
25
25
20
15
10
2011 17
20
2012 27
15
2013 28
10
5
5
0
0
2011 0
2012 12
2013 28
INDOOR WINTER BLASTBALL
We have moved the game of Blastball indoors for 3 year olds during the winter.
This was the second year and our participation numbers more than doubled.
We spent the first Saturday teaching the basic skills of hitting, throwing and
running to the “honking” base. The remainder of the season is spent playing the
game of Blastball.
OUR NUMBER ONE RULE IS TO HAVE FUN!!
Followed by:
 Teamwork
 Show Good Sportsmanship
28
NEW PROGRAMS IN 2013
Little Chefs
For children ages 3-5, and beginning in September, this four week program met
on Tuesdays for 30 to 45 minutes each at the Lowe Park Arts and Environment
Center. Morning and evening sessions were offered. Children were able to
create a different recipe each week to eat and take home with them. This was
an interactive class between the parent/guardian and the child, so the only
staff required was the Recreation Supervisor. We had a total of 10 participants
in this first time class.
The plan moving forward for this program is to offer both a morning and
evening class, with three to four different sessions annually, with different recipes
taught each session.
Kid Crafters
For children ages 3-5, starting in October and ending in November, this four
week program met on Tuesdays for 30 minutes each
at the Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center. A
morning and evening session were offered. This
was an interactive class between the child and
parent/guardian in which the children were able to
create seasonal crafts and art projects focused
around Halloween and Thanksgiving. We had a
total of 9 participants register for this first time class.
The plan moving forward with this program, like the
Little Chefs program, is to offer both a morning and
evening class, with three to four different sessions
annually, with different seasonal crafts being
constructed each session.
29
Little Kickers Kickball
This new program, for children ages 3-4, began in September and met on
Wednesdays for four weeks for 30 minutes each time at the Lowe Park Arts and
Environment Center. A morning and evening session were offered. Children
were able to learn the basics and fundamentals of the game kickball and
socialize with other children their age. We had 6 children register for this first
time program.
The plan moving forward with this program is to offer both a morning and
evening class, with two different sessions annually.
Adult Team Trivia Night
This new event took place on Saturday, November
16th. Participants signed up a team of 8 to compete in
this inaugural event for adults only. Teams were
encouraged to bring food and drink to share with their
team. The trivia night consisted of 5 rounds of 15
questions covering a variety of random topics and
categories. There were 3 teams (24 participants) that
participated in the event and Team Hufflepuffz was
victorious. The winning team won a monetary prize
and free entry into the next Trivia Night. This program
will be held twice annually; once in the fall and once
in late winter.
Partnerships—2013-2014
The Marion Parks and Recreation Department formed cooperative partnerships
with the Westfield Tennis Club in Cedar Rapids and the Linn County
Conservation Department. These partnerships have allowed us to begin
offering youth tennis through the Westfield Tennis Club and outdoor
programming through Linn County Conservation.
Youth tennis will be offered throughout the summer to children ages 4-13.
Morning and evening sessions will be available with three separate sessions to
come in the summer of 2014.
Four outdoor programs/events have been scheduled for the 2014 year through
Linn County Conservation. These include: Creature Feature, a live display of
local creatures; Full Moon Nature Hike, a family hike around Lowe Park under
the moonlight; Youth Archery Clinic, a morning filled with learning the correct
techniques to shooting a recurve bow; and a Fish Iowa, an event aimed to
encourage and teach kids proper fishing techniques.
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Additional Programs Added—2013-2014
In the upcoming 2014 year, we will have over 20 new programs and events to
offer the public. Many of these programs and events were planned in the year
2013 and will be offered in 2014. This has been the primary duty of the new
Recreation Supervisor and more programs will continue to be developed
throughout the upcoming year. Programs have been added in the area of:
youth sports and games, adult sports and events, family/community special
events, and outdoor programing. Listed below is a list of the programs that
have been developed and scheduled for the upcoming 2014 year.
1. Youth 3 on 3 outdoor Summer basketball league (Grades 3 rd-8th)
2. Youth Tennis (4-13 year olds) (w/ Westfield Tennis Club)
3. Little Kickers Kickball (3-4 year olds)
4. Backyard Lawn Games Camp (6-10 year olds)
5. Kid Crafters Art Class (3-5 year olds)
6. Little Chefs Cooking (3-5 year olds)
7. EGGStraordinary Easter Egg Hunt (Glow in the dark)
8. Santa’s Little Workshop (Day camp) (Grades K-5th)
9. Adult 3 on 3 outdoor Summer basketball league
10. Adult Bags league
11. Adult Co-Ed Kickball league (with Hiawatha Parks and Recreation)
12. Adult Team Trivia Night (Twice annually)
13. Capture the City Photo Contest (Quarterly) (Free program)
14. City Pumpkin Decorating Contest (Free program)
15. Light The Night Holiday Lights Tour (Free program)
16. Winter Wonderland Party (Free program)
17. Creature Future (w/ Linn County Conservation)
18. Full Moon Nature Hike (w/ Linn County Conservation)
19. Youth Archery Clinic (w/ Linn County Conservation)
20. Fish Iowa! (w/ Linn County Conservation)
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IN 2013 WE SERVED OVER
1,852 YOUTH
TEN YEAR TOTAL COMPARISON
2004
1900
2005
1850
1800
2006
1750
2007
1700
2008
1650
2009
1600
2010
1550
2011
1500
2012
1450
2013
1400
TEN YEAR COMPARISON BY ACTIVITIES
600
500
2004
2005
400
2006
300
2007
2008
200
2009
100
2010
2011
0
2012
2013
(1,852 does not include Marion Boys Baseball or Peg Pierce Softball)
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2013
POOL
REPORT
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MARION MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL
END OF THE SEASON REPORT 2013
General:
There are a couple of definite issues that contributed to the poor pool
season that we had. First would be the cooler weather, and second would
be the maintenance issues. In this report, I’ve also included a survey from
other Parks and Recreation Swimming Pools detailing their low attendance
as well. Once again, we were accident free! I believe a lot of that is due
to the watchful eye of our staff.
Facility:
We had one major repair that closed us down for three and a half
days. A return line in the basement had developed a small leak that could
have burst in to a larger issue at any time. We needed to address the pipe
right away. We were also closed one full day due to our facility having
someone diagnosed with Crypto while swimming during their incubation
time of the illness; this does not mean they became ill from swimming in our
pool.
The pool was painted and caulked prior to opening for the season.
We had issues with one of the corners in the deep end needing repair
work each year before we opened; therefore, all of the pool deck corners
were cut out and repaired at the close of the season.
The new handicap stairs and chair lift that came in after we had
closed for the 2012 season were installed.
Facility maintenance once again this year was mainly covered by pool
staff. The Parks Maintenance staff was on call for any larger repair items.
Big thanks goes out to the Parks Maintenance staff, they helped with
preseason opening and final shut down.
Usage:
Total attendance was considerably lower for the 2013 swim season, down
6,920 swimmers over last season, with a total of 29,145 people using our pool
facility. This constitutes to a 19% drop. This does not include swimmers we had
for swimming lessons, swim team, Master Swimmers, or pool rentals. We sold a
total of 305 family passes, down 100 or 25% from last season. Individual passes
were down 10 or 5%, totaling 175 sold. The total number of patrons that paid
daily admission was 11,239, down 2,257 from the 2012 season. Approximately
38% of our total attendance was daily walk-ins.
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The Master Swimmers braved the early mornings and used our facility
starting at 4:30 am. We also had 13 pool rentals in the evenings which was
down four from last summer.
Marion Sharks Swim team had another successful season even though
participation numbers were down. We have Jody Peterson as the head coach.
She brought a lot of instruction and motivation to the team. It is nice to have a
swim team that is competitive with the other teams in the league. Our
swimmers continue to build on their skills and have a great time.
Staff:
This year, we had 11 new guards and 8 second year guards out of the 38
hired; that is a young lifeguard staff rate of 50%. We had weekly staff training
at 7:30am on Friday mornings for the lifeguards. During these weekly trainings
we practice rescue skills, CPR, any important information staff needs for the next
week as well as endurance swimming. These staff trainings are very important
to keep staff brushed up on their skills and it is also great team building.
Our swimming lesson staff is comprised mainly of lifeguards; seven of them
have special training (WSI) to teach lessons. We also had on staff 14 swim
aides, many of which are 14 years of age. A few of those swim aides we will
retain as lifeguards for the 2014 season once they get the proper training.
I am very proud of our Marion Pool Staff. They work very hard, take their
jobs seriously but still have fun.
Karlene Hummel
Recreation/Aquatics Coordinator
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LIFEGUARDS
SWIM AIDES
Taylor Ackerman
Emily Giedraitis
Ben Allington
Alex Allington
Emma Keefe
Blake Allington
Laura Barrett WSI
Emily Kraemer
Brooke Almasi
Nathan Barrett WSI
Cole Kuethe
Jaydin Burley
Morgan Binder
Kylie McAllister
Katelynn Chalstrom
Jeremey Burley WSI
Bret McNeil
Brooklyn Corey
Danica Chalstrom
Jack Ramsey
Libby Henry
Fallon Corey
Matt Ramsey
Jacob McNeil
Paxton Corey
Taylor Richardson WSI
Luke Sloterdyk
Ryan Evans
Jennifer Sigmon
Abbey Stenersen
Erica Fagerbakke
Rachel Sigmon
Lance Turner
Andy Fogerty WSI
Aaron Sloterdyk WSI
Miracle Waters
Bryan Fogerty
Reid Snell
Madigan Winn
Hannah Gardner
Jonnny Williams
Axel Zumwalt
Evan Grote
Tara Zumwalt
WSI
SUB GUARDS
Renee Simon
Joshua Evans
Zach Hadley
Taylor Harris
SWIM TEAM
COACH
Jody Petersen
Connor Ironside
Trent Kuethe
Katie Ramsey
CASHIER/SPLASH
PADS
MANAGEMENT
Kali Gamerdinger
Cindy Barrett (WSI)
Maggie Greiter
Madeline Stenersen
Anne Marie Smith
Kaitlyn Steggall
HEAD GUARDS
Danielle Wagner
Matt Simon
Lisa Barrett (sub)
Sarah Tegtmeier
Kathi Barrett
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ATTENDANCE COMPARSION
2002
60,000
2003
2004
50,000
2005
2006
40,000
2007
30,000
2008
2009
20,000
2010
2011
10,000
2012
2013
0
REVENUE COMPARISON
180,000
2002
160,000
2003
140,000
2004
2005
120,000
2006
100,000
2007
2008
80,000
2009
60,000
2010
2011
40,000
2012
2013
20,000
0
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2013
END OF THE
YEAR REPORT
2013 Council Members
Dennis Frevert, Chairperson
Frances (Fuf) Renfer
Patsi Gann
Robert North, Jr.
Sara Daricilar
Paul Monska
Ann Kiesling
Associate Members
Cathy Partin
Angie Pierce-Jennings
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Art Gallery Exhibits
During 2013, we had eight exhibits and artist receptions at the Lowe
Park Arts and Environment Center art gallery. Nine visual artists, two
colleges and two artist groups were featured. One of the artist groups
was the Iowa Pastel Society. The Arts Council sponsored the society’s
annual meeting at the Lowe Center in conjunction with their exhibit.
Musical Performances
A total of four Coffeehouse Night musical performances were held in 2013. Our normal attendance for
these concerts continues to be about 50 people. The
December concert however was attended by nearly 80 people.
This is the second year that the December concert has drawn
a bigger crowd. The performers are all Iowa acoustic
singer/songwriters. Admission is free and we have an alliance
with Wit’s End Coffeehouse to provide beverages and pastries
which can be purchased. The musicians are extremely
appreciative of our venue with its intimate setting and an
attentive audience.
Swamp Fox Festival
With the elimination of Sunday activities from the Festival, the Arts Council
participation was more limited than in previous years. The chairperson
continued to be involved in the planning and execution of events. The art
sale was incorporated into the sale activities at City Square Park and the
Arts Council assisted the recreation department with children activities at
Lowe Park.
Lowe Park Sculpture Trail
One additional sculpture was added to the trail during 2013. It was a piece which was the result of a
cooperative effort with Iowa State University. A new subcommittee was formed, including several noncouncil members, to develop a new plan for the trail.
Community Involvement
The Marion Arts Council continues its representation on the Cultural and Entertainment District steering
committee.
Our positive relationships with Barb’s Fine Art, Campbell Steele Gallery and the Red Cedar Chamber
Music have continued. We feel that these relationships can be helpful in developing art in Marion and
be good for the community as a whole.
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