This community park is located off of Main and Logan Streets in downtown Marion on 2.5 acres. Though smaller in size than a typical community park, the area is full of facilities to serve every age group and activity level.  It has basketball and tennis courts, picnic shelters and tables, a large playground, recreation building and is slated for development of a new splash pad. Restrooms and parking are available. The park is very well used and was renovated in 2001. Various civic groups and individuals helped raised funds for new equipment making this park a jewel in the community. The park is open seven days a week on a first come first served basis.

This neighborhood park was constructed in 2001 on 2.2 acres. Addie’s Chapel United Methodist Church donated the land on Ridley Street in West Marion. The park contains a walking trail, a picnic shelter and tables, a basketball court and playground equipment. The park is available for use during daylight hours.

This neighborhood park was completed in the summer of 2010.  The park is located adjacent to the Eastfield  Elementary School on Perry Street and is 2 acres in size.  The park includes a walking trail, basketball court, picnic shelter and tables, swing set, and jungle gym.  The park is open during daylight hours. 

This neighborhood park is currently in the planning and design stage.  The park will be located on Hill Street in the Clinchfield neighborhood.  It will include a walking trail, playground equipment, swing set, picnic shelter and tables, along with other amenities.

The City built and maintains two pocket parks with gazebos as an amenity to those visiting and enjoying the downtown area. One is located in the heart of downtown on North Main Street and the other is on the southern edge of Main Street. They are often used as social gathering areas and by walkers as a place to stop and rest.  These areas also play a pivotal role during Marion’s many street festivals and evening concerts.

The Depot, a highlight of Marion, is a favorite site for social gatherings and events. The Depot is a special facility that is centrally located on Depot Street one block from Main Street on 1.05 acres. The site includes Marion’s historic train depot, which was fully renovated in 2004 as well as an award winning courtyard.  This facility is frequently used for live music, festivals and other social gatherings sponsored by the City of Marion.  When not in use by the City it serves as a popular location for family and civic events.

In September, 2010, the City of Marion opened Phase I of the Jospeh McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway on the northern edge of the City along the Catawba River.  The first leg of development includes a 1 mile corridor extending from US Highway 70 West off of Sam Philips Drive just west of Lowe's toward US Highway 221 Bypass behind the Wal-Mart Shopping Center. It includes a wildlife observation platform, fishing pier, and picnic area to enjoy.  This area is well-suited for greenway development given the close proximity to the Catawba River and the surrounding commercial area. McDowell High School is conveniently located just across Highway 70 from the Greenway, which will provide additional opportunities for recreation and alternative modes of transportation to and from school. Future phases of the Greenway will extend to the McDowell House on US Highway 70 West and beyond. A canoe launch is being developed by the City off of US Highway 221 North Business.

In September, 2010, the City of Marion acquired from Norfolk Southern Railway 33 acres of the old Peavine Rail Line right of way from State Street to Jacktown Road, a distance of about 2.4 miles.  City staff will be doing some clean-up work and minor improvements to make sure the trail is safe before it officially opens.  For now, the trail will extend for 1.4 miles from State Street to the southern edge of the First Christian Church property on Rutherford Road, due to the presence of an old trestle behind Mi Pueblito Restaurant on Rutherford Road.  Barricades will be installed at the southern end of the trail and to block access from both directions to the trestle behind Mi Pueblito Restaurant on Rutherford Road, until such time as the trestle can be demolished or repaired.  Parking is available for the trail at the old Rescue Squad building on State Street and at First Christian Church on Rutherford Road (except on Sundays between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.).