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Expect to soon see heavy equipment move into Marion County Park as a lake renovation project proceeds.

According to Marion County Conservation Department Head Steve Edwards, dredging for the project is expected to begin in mid-to-late October.

Some of the renovations planned include a new boat ramp with concrete piers and a docking platform. The lake drain pipe will be closed in June and the lake will be allowed to fill naturally.

The overall project should be completed by restocking the lake with fish in August or September of next year.

Here is a tentative timeline for the Marion County Park Lake Renovation Project:
(Subject to weather which could push the timetable forward or back)

Middle to late October

1. General Contractor, Reilly Construction mobilizes and moves heavy equipment into Marion County Park.
2. A few day after mobilization, work begins on dredging operations at MCP Lake.

Late December

1. Dredging project is completed.

Late December through March

1. Conservation Board staff work on installing various forms of fish structure.

April & May

1. Conservation Board staff form and pour new boat ramp.
2. Conservation Board staff work on installing concrete piers and dock platform at boat ramp.

June

1. 6” gate valve in lake drain pipe is closed and lake allowed to fill naturally.

August/September

1. Conservation Board staff and Iowa DNR staff re-stock lake with fish.