City of Marion prepares parks for spring

Spring has arrived in Marion, and the park district is already preparing the parks for the spring and summer months. Rose Cadena, the park director, is responsible for organizing these events while also managing daily operations.

Two of the biggest upcoming events are Earth Day on April 22, which is partnered with Marion Utilities and GM, as well as the Independence Day celebration on July 3rd. Cadena said, “…the parks department is putting on about 8-10 events this year.”

Cadena also said that most of the work right now focuses on maintenance and preparation. Flower beds are getting ready during the month of May throughout all 13 parks.

Splash House is planned to open up on Memorial Day weekend. Transitioning out of the winter months and preparing them for summer use.

Although the events are what the public sees, Cadena said that a lot of effort goes into this preparation, and that the park district will be very busy during this transition of seasons.