RDG in the Media: Improvements to Lowe Park in Marion, Iowa
The City of Marion officials are considering several opportunities for growth for the 180-acre park, as led by RDG's schematic design work and findings.
Lowe Park, located in north Marion, Iowa, has grown in popularity over the past few years. The park encompasses 180 acres and includes walking trails, sport fields, community gardens and the centerpiece structure of the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center. In response to the growing popularity, the City of Marion engaged RDG Planning & Design for schematic design work and guidance on a master park plan.
RDG’s design for the existing park amenities includes various improvements, from expanding the existing greenhouse operations to building a new storm shelter and additional office space. In total, the analysis identified nearly $8 million in potential improvements.
“We’re trying to make this plan while thinking about the future growth of the community,” said RDG designer Paloma Chapman. “[Based] on these schematics, we can start going through some of the hard questions to figure out what [the design] would entail.”
A more in-depth look at the proposed improvements to the park includes renovations to the existing Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center and the addition of new office space to support the growing needs of the city’s parks and recreation department. Plans feature a new storm shelter that will serve as a multifunctional headhouse with educational space, an expanded greenhouse to enhance community programming and plant sales, general site upgrades and potential sustainability features such as a roof-mounted solar array and updated building siding.
Over the years, the park has undergone other high-profile improvements, including the Klopfenstein Amphitheater for the Performing Arts, designed by RDG, and the opening of an accessible playground.