2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the landing on the moon. This also is the 50th Birthday for the Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club. To commemorate these milestones, the Club wanted to do something to memorialize both accomplishments. Inspired by the work of the Arthur A. Collins Legacy Association to capture the local history of the space program, as well as the work of Arthur Collins and Collins employees, we wanted to create a tribute in their honor.
One significant milestone in this journey was the Echo Satellite program and the Collins Radio antennas located near Marion on Echo Hill Road. After consulting with the Marion Parks and Recreation Department and the Marion Arts Council, an idea was formed; to create an interactive art piece influenced by the Echo antennas and have it integrated near the new Lowe Park Inclusive Playground. The project began with a ground breaking ceremony on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 with a completion date by June 2020.
The project involves three parts. First is a monument of three black granite slabs telling the history, science and acknowledgements. The second part is to install two large parabolic satellite dishes integrated to be “whisper dishes” which allow persons to softly speak into one dish and be heard about 150 feet away with another dish. The third part if finances allow, is to have a six foot “gazing ball” of stainless steel between the two dishes symbolizing the Echo Satellite. They would be located north of the inclusive playground along the park "Art Walk"trail following guidelines of the inclusive playground.
Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary will be coordinating the fundraising and installation. A District Grant request has been submitted as well as a Marion Hotel/Motel Tax grant. Other fundraising is underway.
We believe this part of local history should not be lost, including acknowledgement of our friends and neighbors who made it possible. We are celebrating our local role in the space program as well as hoping to inspire youth to be the next explorers and innovators to learn about our universe.
If you would like to help with this project in any way, contact Erik Miles or Cindy Preussner.