MARION DESIGNATED AS AN IOWA GREAT PLACE
Marion was selected by the State of Iowa as an Iowa Great Place. The Great Places designation creates a partnership between the State of Iowa and the Place, with benefits: technical assistance for project implementation, additional consideration for grant applications, state historic tax credits, publicity and Iowa Great Places grant funds. Marion was awarded a $25,000 Iowa Great Places grant for trail construction along an abandoned railroad line to allow pedestrian and bicycle usage between Marion and Cedar Rapids. Marion matched the grant with local option sales tax funds. The City of Marion citizens’ committee, All Trails Lead to Marion, helps raise funds, build awareness and advise the Marion Parks Department and Linn County Trails Association in designing and routing trails and green space along the central corridor in Marion. It also works toward improving, connecting and expanding existing trails to adjacent trail networks and communities. www.iowagreatplaces.gov
IOWA GOES BY BICYCLE PROGRAM
Iowa Goes By Bicycle is a campaign to get more Iowans riding their bicycles for transportation and recreation. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is sponsoring the Iowa Goes By Bicycle Challenge www.iowagoesbybicycle.com. Sign up, bicycle more often, and log your minutes to win bike gear. The Iowa Goes By Bicycle Guide is a how-to-anything bicycle manual and travel/trail guide available in April.
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