Marion Uptown
Master Plan
Update
The Central Plaza project stemmed from the ImagiNEXT community initiative that built upon the previously developed North Plaza and set the park up for year-round use.
The project transformed the eastern park area and a portion of 11th Street into a vibrant civic space featuring an ice-skating loop, live performance space, engaging water features, interactive play sculpture, public art installations, seating and other amenities. The project enclosed the historic Depot Pavilion, creating an event space and year-round public restrooms.
The design, led by RDG Planning & Design with construction management by Rinderknecht Associates, was shaped through collaboration with a steering committee, technical committee, event planners and an art committee responsible for public art selection.
With broad public and private support, including a $3 million grant from Destination Iowa and a $1.3 million fundraising effort by the Marion Park Foundation, the $8.35 million project will be funded through a combination of local option sales tax funds and general obligation bonds.
Construction began in March 2024, and the project reached completion in Spring 2025, delivering a flexible, year-round destination for the community.