In October 2017, the Marion Chamber of Commerce led residents through a community-wide visioning process known as ImagiNEXT. Over 3,000 ideas were collected to enhance our already thriving community and four overarching themes emerged. The four initiatives that are being put into action include Just Keep Swimming, The Heart of It All, It’s the Little Things, and Creekside Pride. Each initiative has achieved significant accomplishments, the most recent being Creekside Pride.
“The Marion Chamber staff and board of directors are thrilled with how the ImagiNEXT initiatives are gaining momentum. We look forward to collecting additional public input on Creekside Pride to shine a spotlight on Indian Creek and encourage its use as a recreational amenity,” said Chamber President Jill Ackerman. In December 2020, the City of Marion received $40,000 from the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization to fund a master planning study for the Indian, Dry, and Wanatee Creek corridors to attract funding for recreational access. The City of Marion hired ISG to complete the study with four goals in mind:
- Connect neighborhoods, public facilities, and community amenities, such as parks and trails, to Indian Creek
- Improve water quality and flood resiliency
- Enhance recreational opportunities throughout the creek corridor
- Support economic development and improve quality of life
When asked about the study, Marion Water Department General Manager and Creekside Pride committee member, Todd Steigerwaldt shared, “Indian Creek is an untapped community asset that is full of outdoor adventure potential. With some creative planning and design, we can make Indian Creek a valuable amenity in our community.”
With the majority of the study complete, an online survey has been developed to gather additional community input. Visit https://tinyurl.com/IndianCreekSurvey before Feb. 4, 2022, to take the survey and help shape the vision for Indian Creek!
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About the Marion Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Marion Chamber of Commerce is to be a leading advocate for the business community, creating an attractive environment where business will flourish and citizens achieve the highest quality of life.
About the City of Marion
Marion is one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities. Located just minutes north of Cedar Rapids, Marion prides itself on being the best place in Iowa to raise a family and grow a business. Reach higher and achieve more in Marion. Visit www.cityofmarion.org to learn more.