MARION, IL — The City of Marion has some ambitious plans for Tower Square Plaza.

Cody Moake, Mayor Mike Absher’s Chief of Staff, says as part of the Mayor’s vision for the city moving forward, the city is trying to figure out a better way to utilize all the space downtown.

The city has over 700 public parking spots within three blocks of the square, so Moake says being able to identify them better is something the city feels is in the best interest of the merchants downtown to take advantage of.

Moake says the city will be looking at ways to integrate Smart Parking and the software to help identify the spots in order to help those visiting the downtown area to see what lots have spots available and what spots are the closest to whatever merchant they are going to. Signage will also play a role in finding parking spots too. Plans also call for continuing festivals on the square. There has also been discussion on putting in a multi-purpose pad that can be used as a splash pad for kids in the summer and an ice rink in the winter.

Another issue being discussed is traffic flow around the square. One of the concepts being looked at according to Moake is making the roundabout more of a traditional roundabout to slow down traffic on the square.

Moake says the cost estimates are currently being worked on and hopes to have them at some point this week. He noted that IDOT’s grant arm, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, provides up to $2 million a year in funding for various projects, so the city hopes that over the next three or four years it will make $4 or $5 million in total improvements to the square that will also include improvements to two or three blocks around the square.

The city plans to send in its full grant application this fall. A decision won’t be made until spring, but Moake hopes the grant will be awarded so the city can begin work sometime after that.