Construction has started on many projects and plans are underway for a few of our most popular events.

Recently, construction started on South Whitney Street where storm, sewer and water lines will be replaced along with a new asphalt surface. It is anticipated to be completed in the fall of this year.

The Addison parking lot located at Lyon and East College Drive was re-constructed with concrete surfacing. This is one of the city’s most highly used public parking lots and prior to this project, one of the worst in overall condition. The project was completed on time, despite recent rains.

Currently in the design and review stage, several pedestrian/bike trail extensions and improvements are planned this summer. Trail extensions will occur from Boyer Street near Aldi grocery store to Windstar Street as well improving the pedestrian crossing at Highway 59 and A Street where curb ramps will be “bumped” partially into the intersection to provide for safer pedestrian crossing. This project will also include Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) that can be activated by a pedestrian and provide a LED flashing warning system to enhance conspicuity of pedestrians at the crossing to drivers. In addition, a trail re-alignment of Camden Regional Trail where it crosses County Road 7 will occur to better align with the current section of trail. This specific trail project will also include an RRFB system.

Soon, the Independence Park “back parking lot” will be reconstructed to allow for a new concrete surface as well as storm water flow to the existing storm water pond. This parking lot will likely see greater use as the city installed, with the help of local donations, an 18-hole disc golf course in Independence Park last summer. In addition, the hope is to start the replacement of the Independence Park Shelter that will include upgrading the bathroom facilities located there.

The city continues the design process with the new aquatic center with bidding to occur in August, and with successful bids, we hope to begin construction this fall with the anticipation to open Memorial Day 2026.

City staff have also been busy planning community events. On June 19, the city will celebrate the newest holiday-Juneteenth.

In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million enslaved people living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The formerly enslaved immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. To honor this holiday, the city will host a food truck event with multiple food trucks serving their food selections on 3rd Street, Downtown Marshall between 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. In addition, there will be inflatables, music and dance performances at Justice Park starting at approximately 5 p.m.

The city will once again sponsor fireworks and entertainment on the 4th of July. In addition, musical performances will occur including Marshall’s City Band, local duo the Singing Q’s, and Joslyn Rose from the Voice. All activities to take place at Independence Park.

Visit Marshall will be hosting Thursdays on Third, where a food truck and musical performances will occur on July 18, August 15, and September 19. Each of the events would be from 5-8 p.m.

Summer nears its end as we will once again gather as community for Sounds of Summer, the weekend of August 23rd and 24th. Musical performances, food and family fun events make this one of the biggest events of the summer, all planned and led locally by the Sounds of Summer Committee.

City staff, city partner agencies, private business and nonprofit organizations collaborate to bring the community worthy public projects forward to completion as well as celebrate coming together in a variety of events. Take time this summer to learn more about these projects or participate by attending some of the events being planned.

— Sharon Hanson is city administrator for the city of Marshall