Marion Needs to Fundraise Up to $600K for New Amphitheater; City Council Votes on Tuesday

Marion would have to come up with up to $600,000 to help pay for a $1.4 million new amphitheater in Lowe Park, a city official said.

The Marion City Council will be voting on whether to approve plans for the Amphitheatre during Tuesday afternoon's meeting.

Marion Parks and Recreation Director Richard Fox said he's excited about the plans progressing and said that if all goes as planned, the first phase of the project will be completed by the end of October.

"Marion is kind of noted for its arts and music and in general and I think this is going to be a great gathering place to enhance that," he said.

The first phase covers the sidewalk and grading, the latter of which is the leveled out ground you'll see above. 

The project will cost $1.4 million to complete, but Fox said they'll need to fundraise somewhere between $300,000 and $600,000. He said the department is currently seeking help to apply for various grants.

Fox said that the second and final phase of the construction will be completed by the end of next year, assuming they find the funds.