New Department of Public Works opens for operation in Marion
State Rep. Mark Sylvia, left, and state Sen. Kelly Dooner attended the Feb. 13 opening of the new Department of Public Works building. Photos by Grace Roche
Rebecca Tilden, the recently-retired former DPW director, cut a ribbon to open the new building. 
Current DPW workers — some brand new and some with over 40 years of service — received recognition for their work. 
Many Marion residents filled the newly opened building to celebrate the completion of a years-long project.
State Rep. Mark Sylvia, left, and state Sen. Kelly Dooner attended the Feb. 13 opening of the new Department of Public Works building. Photos by Grace Roche
Rebecca Tilden, the recently-retired former DPW director, cut a ribbon to open the new building.
Current DPW workers — some brand new and some with over 40 years of service — received recognition for their work.
Many Marion residents filled the newly opened building to celebrate the completion of a years-long project.
MARION — Thirty years after the project was initially suggested, Marion celebrated the opening of the Department of Public Works Operations Building.
Town and state officials joined residents and DPW workers to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony at the 60 Benson Brook Road building on Feb. 13.
Select Board Chair Randy Parker said an idea for a new building was first proposed in 1996, but the $30 million price tag seemed excessive. By the time plans for the now-completed building were approved at Town Meeting in 2022, the cost was estimated to be about $4.5 million.
State Sen. Kelly Dooner and state Rep. Mark Sylvia presented the town with citations of recognition from the Massachusetts House and Senate. Both said they are proud they could work together to help Marion complete the building project.
Dooner also praised residents for attending the ceremony.
“Anytime Marion does something, the whole community comes together, and it's a testament to the town of Marion and the community that you guys have,” she said.
The department’s director, Jody Dickerson said the building represents a “major investment” into the community, and allows him and his employees to serve the town the best they can.
He said he was humbled by the support the project received, and looks forward to using the new building to serve the town in the coming years.
Dickerson also thanked the department’s workers during the celebration.
“Your hard work does not go unrecognized,” Dickerson said. “I see it day in, day out, week in and week out, year in and year out. I thank each and every one of you.”
