Echo Hill Station - Lowe Park

Inspired by the Arthur A. Collins Legacy Association  and the 50th anniversary of the landing on the moon. We have developed an Art Walk project located near the new Lowe Park Inclusive Playground. It commemorates the citizens of Marion who took part in developing space communications. In northwest Marion, Collins had two parabolic radio antennas, Echo Hill Station, using the Echo Satellites to reflect radio signals to Texas including the first image relayed through space. The art symbolizes these events

The project involves three parts. First is a monument of three black granite slabs telling the history, science and acknowledgements each. The second part is to use two large parabolic satellite dishes repurposed to be “whisper dishes” which allow persons to softly speak into one dish and be heard about 125 feet away with another dish.



The third part is to have a six foot “gazing ball” of stainless steel between the two dishes symbolizing the Echo Satellite. We are looking to participants, friends and neighbors to help fund the Echo Satellite. Students will be inspired to learn about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to be the future explorers of our universe.  





The Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club  is an organization of local business and professional persons who unite with other Rotarians worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, good will and peace in the world. It was chartered May 16, 1969 by Rotary International. Locally, the club charters a Boy Scout Troop and supports various local community projects. The Club's primary project is its "Shoes for Kids" program. Money raised for this endeavor provides shoes for children whose foot wear is inadequate. Cedar Rapids and Marion area school nurses identify these children who are in need of new shoes provided by the Club.