In 2017, the Parks and Recreation Department in the City of Marion, Iowa (pop. 34,768), hired MSA to design the City’s first all-inclusive play area in the community at Marion Lowe Park, a 180-acre complex on the north end of the city. The goals for the playground and surrounding green space were to provide full engagement and accessibility to people of all ages and mobility levels and to meet standards as set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Lowe Park was also designed to align with objectives identified in the Lowe Park and Marion Park System Master Plans.

The park design included a playground area that features a unique rubber surface that provides an added level of safety and cushion to park users, as well as meets ASTM propulsion standards for maneuverability for those with mobility-assisted devices. The design also includes an open-air pavilion, seasonal restrooms, a central green space designed as an unprogrammed play area, a trailhead with bike racks, and landscaping to complement the park’s gateway features along the south entrance. The park updates enhance what was already a beloved community destination, drawing gardeners, sports enthusiasts and families to its athletic fields, community gardens, greenhouse, orchards and acres of open green space.

Construction of park upgrades began in 2018 and a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the grand opening was held on August 28, 2019. Residents and visitors of Marion are enjoying the park upgrades and celebrating their accessible new park — one that focuses on the health, well-being and inclusion of every person who visits.