The newly named Parks, Culture and Recreation Department will have an Open House at the Opera House at 1225 3rd St. Jan. 6 and 20 from 6-8 p.m. to people who might be interested in renting the facility. The open houses will continue on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Parks director Jim Ballew said at the Jan. 4 City Council meeting that the owner is still painting and doing repairs, but the work is scheduled to be done by Jan. 26. “There’s a lot to do,” he said.

Recreation coordinator Lauren Woodmansee said new carpeting, bathrooms and 240 theater chairs are part of the remodel, along with a performance stage.

“The goal of the city is to create vibrant, cultural arts,” she said, adding that with downtown revitalization, “It ties in with everything.”

She said the city hopes to offer many cultural activities there, including:

•Concerts, such as for wine and jazz, beer and blues, family and children.

•Classic and silent movies.

•Business retreats and training.

•Speakers.

•Dances

•Music and art classes.

As for renting it out, it could be a venue for a wedding, anniversary or other special celebration. Call 360-363-8400 for details. Rental prices start at $760 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and go up from there.

Also at the council meeting, although not finalized, the city seems to be leaning toward awarding the Marysville Historical Society’s request for $50,000 to help finish off its new museum before the city’s 125th anniversary celebration March 19.

Council members didn’t favor a flat donation, so in exchange the city would be able to use the new museum for 250 hours for free for three years.

Council members Michael Stevens and Jeff Seibert said they didn’t want to just donate to a private entity, so they were more in favor since the city would receive something in return.

Council president Jeff Vaughan said he was worried a flat donation would “create an expectation. This is clearly defined what the city gets in return.”

Council Member Camille Norton asked if the city needs facilities for meetings.

“We need space,” Ballew responded.

Chief Administrative Officer Gloria Hirashima and Ballew both brought up that the Marysville Library now is part of the Sno-Isle system so that meeting place no longer is available for the city to use for free.

Ballew also brought up that the new museum is right next to Rotary Ranch at Jennings Memorial Park, so the agreement also would include a parking aspect.

“They’re an immediate neighbor so we can share,” he said.

Nehring mentioned that the Marysville Rotary donated $200,000 to the museum because it will benefit the community.

In other council news, Ballew said the Holiday Tour of Lights at Christmas broke records, despite inclement weather. People seemed to like new exhibits purchased with hotel-motel tax money and that a third train was added. He also said a new trail and parks plan for the city should be done by March 7.