Facilities Master Plan Recap - March 23

The FMP Steering Committee met on Monday, March 23, 2026 to discuss project communication strategy and hear an update regarding community engagement. Here are the key highlights:

Communications

  • The FMP project page will go live soon and will be hosted on Town’s engagement portal “Be Heard Dedham”
    • Page will include project background, lifecycle/project timeline, a snapshot of participants, and will serve as a document library with interactive features to be added, as needed
    • Dedham Public Schools Education Model Redevelopment Project will be using the same platform and will have a similar feel as the FMP page
    • Each page will link to the other
  • Short meeting recaps and updates will be created and shared to the FMP Steering Committee following each meeting, providing enough context to keep members informed while remaining brief enough for board presentations.
    • Recaps and updates will also be used for public-facing communications
  • Information about Town and School communication resources and channels were discussed.
    • Communication channels may include the use of weekly and monthly Town/ School communications, digital platforms, newsletters, utility bill inserts, and partnerships with various boards and committees.
    • Once community engagement opportunities are scheduled, a more comprehensive communication plan will be developed to align message formats with appropriate channels.

Community Engagement

  • Arrowstreet will be hosting an FMP Listening Session on Wednesday, April 29. The format of the meeting will emphasize small group discussions and interactive data collecting rather than traditional presentation-style format.
    • Plans to include kids' activities and light refreshments to make the event more accessible were also discussed.
  • Following the example of the Education Model project, the Community Engagement Subcommittee will work with Arrowstreet to develop a calendar of community engagement opportunities that will take place throughout the entirety of the project.
  • The Subcommittee will meet again on Monday, March 30.

Additional Updates

  • In addition to the 7 school buildings, building assessments have been completed for the Dedham Pool Building, Endicott Branch Library, Endicott Estate, Main Library, Parks and Recreation Building (former Capen School), Public Safety Building, and the Town Hall and Senior Center.
  • Assessments of the old Avery School, Dolan Center, DPW Building, East Dedham Fire Station, Memorial Field Building, and the Rustcraft Concession Stand are scheduled to take place on April 1.

More Information