Re-Imagining The Linn Creek District

In partnership with the City of Marshalltown, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, Arts + Culture Alliance and Fisher Governor Foundation we are Re-Imagining The Linn Creek District. Nestled just south of historic downtown Marshalltown, the Linn Creek District is being transformed into a vibrant destination that celebrates our community’s creativity, connectivity, and commitment to quality of life. Rooted in the 2007 IMAGINE vision plan, the revitalization of this corridor brings new life to an area rich in potential—blending recreation, public art, and civic spaces in one cohesive district.

As projects come to life over the next 18–24 months, residents and visitors alike will begin to see the Linn Creek District evolve into a destination unlike any other in the region. We invite you to follow our progress, attend events, and explore new amenities as they open.

APGAR FAMILY WATER PLAZA

What began as an interactive water feature quickly transformed into a meaningful and unique experience that truly reflects our community. Inspired by community input, the concept of “Skipping Stones” was adopted, symbolizing unity across all origins and ages, as many have cherished memories of skipping stones at some point in their lives. The site design features a series of rhythmic “ripples,” with strategically timed fountains throughout the plaza simulating the effect of stones skipping across water, all converging toward the central beacon of the Apgar Family Water Plaza. This project marked the first time the City of Marshalltown required an artist to be part of the design team from the very beginning. Iowa artist Hilde DeBruyne was engaged and led the creation of this incredibly unique and meaningful experience for our community. We are proud to announce that the Apgar Family Water Plaza has already received recognition, earning a 2024 Central States ASLA Merit Award. Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with the plaza opening to the public in the spring/summer of 2026.

ANN C. KEYSER TRAILHEAD

In 2019, the City of Marshalltown received a National Endowment for the Arts ‘Our Town’ grant for the creation of a Placemaking Plan for the Iowa River’s Edge Trail. This 34-mile trail will connect two counties from Marshalltown to Steamboat Rock, passing through five communities in between. The Ann C. Keyser Trailhead will create a dynamic and high impact destination to include unique structures, providing restrooms and event space, with creative integration of seating, bike racks, gathering spaces, wayfinding signage and the Marshalltown Skatepark. Construction of the bridge and trailhead is underway, with substantial completion anticipated by the end of 2025.

EMERSON BRIDGE

The Emerson Bridge will enhance connections by threading together people and places in a creative, safe, and accessible way. To maintain the unique design continuity of the Linn Creek District, the acrylic material used in the Apgar Family Water Plaza will also be incorporated into the Emerson Bridge. This feature allows the sun to cascade through, creating vibrant shadows along the path. Inspired by the flow of Linn Creek, the design reflects the importance of ‘flow’ to Emerson. As the saying goes, “if it flows through a pipe, chances are it’s controlled by Fisher Controls Co (since 1880).” Construction of the bridge and trailhead is underway, with substantial completion anticipated by the end of 2025.

MARTHA-ELLEN TYE PLAYHOUSE

The renovation of the Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse aims to update the stunning 1969 landmark to meet modern codes and accessibility standards while preserving its intimate community performance space. This project represents phase two of the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center’s revitalization, aligning with the Linn Creek District’s vision to celebrate creativity and connect both residents and visitors to our centrally located “arts and culture hub.” Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2024, with project completion targeted for late 2025 or early 2026, depending on final design and funding milestones.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who have already contributed to the Linn Creek District projects. Your generosity is helping turn a bold community vision into reality—creating spaces that inspire, connect, and enrich the lives of everyone in Marshalltown. If you haven’t yet joined this effort, there’s still time to make an impact. Your donation will help us complete these exciting projects and ensure the Linn Creek District is a source of pride for generations to come.  THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to making these projects a reality for our community. Together, we’re reimagining the heart of Marshalltown—where art, nature, and community meet.

• City of Marshalltown
• Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce
• Arts + Culture Alliance
• Fisher Governor Foundation
• Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation
• Emerson
• MARSHALLTOWN
• Apgar Family
• Ann C. Keyser Trust
• Trails, Inc.
• Iowa Economic Development Authority
• Wellmark Foundation
• Marshalltown Aviation
• Pinnacle Bank
• Terry and Rhonda Buzbee
• Joel and Sharon Greer
• Craig and Cynthia Ragland
• Racom Corporation: Gregg Miller Family
• MEMBERS 1st Community Credit Union
• Janelle and Joe Carter
• M. Gervich & Sons, Inc.
• Community Foundation of Marshall County
• JBS
• Alliant Energy
• Farmers Savings Bank
• David and Valerie Clark
• John and Patty Hermanson
• David and Mary Giese
• Brianna and John Hall
• Amber and Cole Danielson