MARSHALL, Minn. — Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes says the city is making steady progress on several major projects, including the new Splash Aquatic Center, Highway 19 reconstruction and other infrastructure improvements.
“We’re getting closer to completion on the new Aquatic Center,” Byrnes said. He said crews are finishing fencing and the underground irrigation system before sod is installed. Once landscaping is complete, the pools will be plastered, filled with water and tested before opening. “I know everyone’s excited. Everybody’s saying, ‘When is it going to be open?’ Until all those other pieces really fall into place, we won’t know exactly what day it’s going to be open.”
Construction also continues on the Highway 19 reconstruction project. Byrnes said the Main Street intersection at Highways 19 and 59 has reopened, while crews are preparing to pour concrete at the Bruce Street intersection after completing major underground utility work.
“It’s a major, major project. It’s one of the largest that has occurred in MnDOT District 8,” Byrnes said, adding contractors are making “really, really good progress.”
Byrnes said North Sixth Street reconstruction continues with curb and gutter work expected next, while construction on North High Street from Fourth Street to Justice Park is expected to begin in August.
The Southview Trail project is also nearing completion. Byrnes said the new trail will provide a safe bicycle and pedestrian connection from downtown Marshall to the city’s south side. He noted the project was funded entirely through federal and state grants.
“Without that, we probably wouldn’t have been able to do that quality project,” Byrnes said. “We always want to encourage people to be active outside, but we also have to provide a safe way to do that.”
The Marshall City Council has awarded a contract to demolish the former aquatic center after Labor Day. The final phase of the Legion Field stormwater improvements is also expected to begin in late summer or early fall and is designed to reduce flooding in the area during heavy rainfall.
Byrnes also highlighted recent ribbon cuttings for Marshall Dental Excellence and a new 108-unit apartment complex, saying both projects demonstrate continued investment in the community and help address local housing needs.
Looking ahead to the Fourth of July, Byrnes said Independence Park will host the city’s celebration, featuring music and an expanded professional fireworks display.
“It will really be quite a celebration,” Byrnes said.
He also encouraged residents to attend the weekly Eats and Beats events on Third Street and to complete the community survey that will help guide plans for replacing the aging Liberty Park bandshell.
Candidate filing for Marshall City Council will open later in July. In addition to the regular council seats on the ballot, a special election will be held to fill the remainder of the Ward 2 term following the resignation of Council Member Amanda Schwartz.
