ARTICLE
Construction is underway for a new YMCA in Marion at the corner of Tower Terrace Road and Irish Drive. The state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility will be more than double the size of the current YMCA. It will feature 7,000+ square feet of fitness space, three full-size basketball courts, an indoor track, plus leisure and lap swimming pools. It is designed as a community center to meet recreational, wellness and social needs of residents in Marion and surrounding communities. The project is widely supported at the state, regional and local levels. With a lead investment of $7.3 million from the City of Marion, this new facility demonstrates a full partnership between the City and YMCA. By joining forces, a single structure will meet the needs of the community at lower overall costs to each partner than having each try to do a project on their own. In turn, the organizations are seeking naming ideas for this long-awaited amenity. The name should identify the facility as both a YMCA and as Marion’s community fitness center. It will provide increased programming space for the YMCA and City of Marion Parks and Recreation Department and offer new opportunities for hosting athletic tournaments and community meetings. Suggestions may be submitted online at www.cityofmarion.org/NameTheY. Ideas will be collected from Jan. 15-Feb. 15, 2020. Representatives from the City of Marion and the YMCA will review the suggestions and make a recommendation to Marion City Council. For more information about the project, visit www.NewMarionYMCA.org. Questions can be directed to Sara Mentzer, Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA development director, at 319-538-8296 or email.