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Marion resident voices opposition to proposed $50M aquatics park, cites taxes and underused facilities
Summary
During the public forum on July 17, Marion resident Larry Smith urged council to oppose a bond referendum for a proposed aquatics park at 30 First Street, arguing the city should repair existing facilities, prioritize sidewalks and affordable housing, and noting he expects a tax increase on his properties.
At the July 17 public forum resident Larry Smith addressed the City Council in opposition to a proposed bond referendum for a new aquatics park the city has discussed for property at 30 First Street.
Smith, who identified himself as a Marion resident and property owner, said he counted 69 existing pickleball courts in the Cedar Rapids–Marion area and questioned the need for 12 more courts included in the proposed project. He expressed concern that existing pools in nearby Cedar Rapids are older but maintained and asked why Marion cannot repair its existing pool rather than build a new $50 million facility.
"There is now, I did some checking on this too, there's not a single city in Iowa the size of Marion that has an aquatics park," Smith said, and warned the project could raise his property taxes by an estimated $500–$600. He urged the council to consider other priorities such as sidewalks, affordable housing and support for small businesses.
Council members later noted the aquatics plan was community-driven, involved public engagement and would be subject to a bond referendum if staff and council move forward. Council also pointed to examples of other Iowa cities that have rebuilt or modernized pools in place rather than leaving older facilities unchanged.
