Rotary Club of Marion-East Cedar Rapids Newsletter
Special Off-Site Meeting – Tuesday, September 30th at the Marion Depot
Rotary members gathered for a special off-site meeting at the historic Marion Depot Pavilion in Marion Square Park. The event featured guest speaker Kelly Willadsen, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Marion.
Kelly provided an informative overview of the new Depot building, highlighting its future use as a warming area for the adjacent ice skating rink during the winter months and its availability for private rentals, including children's birthday parties. Attendees received a guided tour of the facility, both inside and out, including a look at the splash pad/ice skating rink, the mechanical room, and the Zamboni garage.
Ice Rink Plans
- A new rink is being planned with a cooling system to keep the ice at about seven degrees.
- Features will include a Christmas tree, picnic tables, and a heated warming area.
- Operations: Thursday–Sunday, with skate rentals and admissions.
- Zamboni maintenance every 45–60 minutes.
- A Snack Shack will handle admissions, skate rentals, and concessions.
- Future plans include birthday rentals, learn-to-skate programs, and other activities.
Event & Business Involvement
- Uptown businesses and the Chamber will be invited to participate with booths and event tie-ins.
- Plans include concerts, movies, and additional social events at the park.
Operations & Storage
- Public Works building may serve as storage for equipment and Zamboni.
- A skate sharpener will be added for rink and public use.