Help Shape The Root Mason Square: A Community Design Dinner
Event Details
Thursday, April 9 | 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Mason Square Library Community Room
🍽️ Dinner Provided | Free | Registration Required
The Root Mason Square is preparing to open this spring — and before we do, we want Mason Square to help shape how this space comes to life.
Join us for a hands-on Community Design Dinner where current Mason Square residents and active community members will help define:
What the first 10 minutes inside The Root should feel like
What belonging looks like in this space
What programs and gatherings should happen here first
What would make you come back again and again
What would feel “off” or not aligned with Mason Square
This is not a presentation — it’s a working session.
We’ll be sharing a meal and then participating in meaningful small-group activities, visual design feedback, dot-voting exercises, and reflection activities that will directly inform how The Root opens.
What to Expect
5:30–6:00 PM — Arrival & Dinner
Community meal, music, networking, and printed design boards around the room.
6:00–8:00 PM — Interactive Design Session
Guided table discussions
Hands-on interior design feedback activities
Dot voting to identify shared priorities
Individual reflection: “My Top 3 for The Root”
We ask that participants plan to attend for the full duration of the event, as each activity builds on the next.
Who Should Attend
This event is for:
Current Mason Square residents
Active Mason Square community members
Ages 16+
A mix of youth, adults, and elders
We are intentionally creating a space that reflects the diversity of Mason Square and welcome renters, homeowners, students, long-term residents, immigrant community members, small business owners, faith community members, and neighbors who may not typically attend planning meetings.
If registration exceeds capacity, priority will be given to current Mason Square residents. We will follow up directly with registrants if needed.
Accessibility & Accommodations
Dinner will be provided.
Please indicate any needs during registration so we can prepare appropriately.
We are working to provide:
Spanish translation
Childcare or child-friendly space
Other accessibility accommodations as requested
Need to get to the library? Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) has extended their Fare Free Try Transit Program through June 30, 2026 for Fixed Route Buses and Paratransit Van service. No fares or passes needed to ride.
Why This Matters
The Root is being built as a community third space rooted in Mason Square — and how it opens matters.
This dinner will directly influence:
Early programming priorities
The physical environment and design tone
Operating hours and access considerations
Intergenerational activation strategies
Your voice will shape this space from even before day one.
Registration Required
This event is free, but registration is required so we can:
Prepare enough food
Arrange translation and childcare
Ensure the space is set up for meaningful participation
