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Selness speaks to Rotary about upcoming changes in Mega-10 Park

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Director Anne Selness is seen in front of the display illustrating the upcoming MEGA-10 Park renovation. Selness described the project in a program to the Marshalltown Rotary Club.

The Valentine’s Day edition of the Marshalltown Rotary luncheon was held at Elmwood with nearly 50 Rotarians and guests on hand. John Fink led with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Guests included Dillon Does, Bethany Wirin and Robert Thomas.

Karn Gregoire introduced City Administrator Jessica Kinser, who has transferred her membership from the Clinton club. President Bill Fitzgerald welcomed Kinser and offered some brief informational nuggets about the Marshalltown club. Fitzgerald announced that there is a seat open on the Marshalltown Rotary Foundation Board and directed those interested to visit with Curt Hoff.

Sarah Rosenblum gave a news report that included an amazing story of library staff coming across a lost Presidential Medal of Merit and their efforts to return the item to its owner.

Fink then introduced Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Director Anne Selness. Selness has been on the job since last April and hails from southeast Minnesota. She has a Master of Science degree in Recreation Management and is nationally certified as a Park and Recreation Executive.

Selness began by noting how thrilled she is to be living and working in Marshalltown and excited to provide a glimpse of the upcoming MEGA-10 Park renovation. There are plans for a playground upgrade along with a children’s discovery garden.

The MEGA-10 Park is central located and easily accessible, often associated with the caboose located there.

Selness described the history of the caboose, noting that it will stay and the area surrounding it will be enhanced. She helped build a frame of reference with pictures of the park in its present state. Sketches then helped illustrate the planned garden, children’s area, fitness area and a gravity rail zip line. This zip line will be the first of its kind in the area. There will also be a discovery garden to provide both sight and sound exploration.

Selness gave a nice shout out to donors and sponsors who have stepped up thus far, noting there are more fundraising projects planned. There is a need for $27,000 to complete the $267,000 project. Selness and Rotarian Tammi Lichtenberg are members of the current Iowa Valley Leadership class and this renovation will serve as their class project. May 6 and 7 are slated for volunteer efforts to help with installation.

The motto, “Service Above Self,” exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the 1.2 million men and women of Rotary worldwide.

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