MARION— A “living wall” of sound dampening hedges is coming to the Marion Council on Aging after the Select Board took a unanimous vote to approve the project on Tuesday, March. 7. 

Marion Council on Aging board member Dianne Cosman presented phase one of the council’s four-stage plan to revamp the Community Cushing Center’s outdoor areas. 

This phase consists of building a hedge along the stretch of road along Route 6 at the front of the property. 

“This project is designed to not only be aesthetically beautiful but also to create a sound barrier to absorb noise,” Cosman said, adding that the hedge’s “long and low” design will help cut down on traffic noise to allow for uninterrupted Council on Aging activities. 

The living wall will be four feet tall according to Cosman and will cost $20,000 to build, which will be fully covered by the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging.

According to Cosman, the Select Board approved of the initial landscape project concept in August 2020.

“Since that time the project has moved forward at a lightning pace,” said Cosman.

Cosman said that the committee has seen overwhelming support from the Friends of Marion Council on Aging who have led the fundraising for the overall beautification project.

The “living wall” will be maintained by the Council on Aging’s “all volunteer army” as opposed to town employees. 

“Great consideration was given to keep the plan low-maintenance and nature-friendly,” said Cosman. 

“It’s a wonderful idea,” said Select Board member Toby Burr.

With the Marion Select Board’s go-ahead, the project is planned to begin in April.