CHS Student Council to install flowers on median
CARIBOU, Maine — Caribou High School students are working to beautify the median between First Choice Market and their school’s entrance.
Student Council President Camden Dumont presented the idea of installing a flower planter in the highly visible public space during City Council’s Oct. 11 meeting.
“The median is in some level of disrepair,” said Dumont. “Every parent and bus driver, including those who come from other schools for sporting events, see this median as soon as they drive in. I don’t know if they associate it with the character of the school, but it is quite possible that they do.”
The flower planter will consist of 6- by 6- by 10-foot pressure treated pine timbers, and go all the way around the median. In an effort to avoid destruction by truck, part of the plan is to create a “3-foot jog on each side of the median outside the planter.”
The students’ biggest job is attaching the planter, and they plan to drill holes directly into the dirt underneath, and then to keep everything contained with tar seal. In an effort to prevent dirt spilling onto the road, the high-schoolers will contain the soil with two layers of landscape cloth.
“A lot of construction equipment is owned by the students,” said Dumond, “and the Soderbergs (Caribou-based Soderberg Construction Co.) have offered to let us use tools, or even some of their workers, if we need them.”
The Student Council, Dumont added, even took time to ensure the proper flowers are used in this endeavor.
“The agricultural program volunteered to donate the flowers,” he said. “The flowers we use will have strong root systems, but not so strong that they crack the concrete underneath. They need to be just strong enough to hold in the dirt and prevent any future issues.”
The plan was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, with the only suggestion being that they first communicate with the city’s Public Works Director Dave Ouellette.
“I think it’s a good project and would also offer that, if there is a need for topsoil, the city may have some that you can use,” said Councilor Shane McDougal.
“I commend you for this,” said Councilor Joan Theriault, “this is a good project.”
“I think it’s a great idea as well,” said Mayor Gary Aiken, “but I also think you should meet with Dave Ouellette first.”
