The Lowe Park amphitheater project received a major boost in funding with the announcement of a $150,000 challenge grant from the Hall-Perrine Foundation. The announcement comes as committee members prepare to launch the community fundraising effort on Friday, Nov. 9.

“This project celebrates the arts, the environment and our community.” said Vic Klopfenstein, co-chair of the fundraising campaign. “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Hall-Perrine Foundation. We now turn to the community for support in making this beautiful attraction at Lowe Park a reality.”

The amphitheater and sculpture trail project grew out of the Marion Chamber’s Imagine8 community visioning process initiated in 2008. It has expanded to include a network of public and private partners. When complete, the amphitheater will feature a 50-foot wide stage that has an oak leaf-like sculptured canopy and an art sculpture trail. The trail will connect people to history, health, arts and education in an outdoor setting.

To date, the land has been acquired and site grading is nearly complete, funded in part through local option sales tax funds. The entire project is expected to be complete in December 2013.

To learn more about the project or to make a tax-deductible contribution or pledge, contact the Marion Park & Recreation Foundation at 319-377-4846 or Vic Klopfenstein at vpklopfenstein@msn.com.