ARTICLE
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 Rotary Club of Marion-East Cedar Rapids 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, Collins employees and other local contributors, 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 with the new Lowe Park Inclusive Playground. The project titled “Echo Hill Station, “ is scheduled to begin with a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday at noon on July 23, 2019 near the Inclusive Playground at the Irish Drive entrance to the Park. Echo Hill Station is scheduled for completion by June 2020. Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary will invest and coordinate fundraising and installation. The Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit. The estimated cost of three phases of the project, that is detailed on the attachment, is estimated to be approximately $55,000. We believe this part of local history should not be lost, including acknowledgement of our friends and neighbors who made it possible. It should also inspire students of all abilities toward careers in science, technology, engineering and math as the next generation to explore the universe.