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East Haddam recreation commission approves $4,666 gaga pit for town beach
Summary
The town’s Recreation Commission voted to buy and install a gaga pit at the town beach for $4,666.10, drawing on available building-maintenance or special-revenue funds; commissioners also heard summer-program and budget updates including camp enrollment and lifeguard training.
The East Haddam Recreation Commission voted to spend $4,666.10 to purchase and install a gaga pit at the town beach, approving the purchase by voice vote after a brief discussion about cost and placement.
The decision came after the recreation director presented a vendor estimate and said the equipment could be paid from remaining building-maintenance funds or from the commission’s special-revenue balance. “If you guys approve, we would like to place that order,” the recreation director said while describing the proposed location between the swing set and the bird’s nest and noting that the crew would handle installation.
Why it matters: commissioners said the gaga pit is popular with children and camp attendees and would add low-cost play value to existing playground areas. The director told the commission the unit would be installed on mulch (not rubber tiles) to avoid an estimated additional $2,300 cost for rubber matting and to keep surfaces soft for younger players.
Other business: the commission received routine reports on summer programming and budgets. Camp staff training is scheduled for June 23–24, and camp begins June 29. The director provided weekly enrollment numbers: week 1 — 93 of 125 spots; week 2 — 109; week 3 — 117; week 4 — 122; week 5 — 125 (full); week 6 — 100; week 7 — 125 (full). She also reported lifeguard training with the East Haddam Fire Department on June 23 and said beach wages started the season with $8,379 available and that recent weather closures cost about $1,350 in wages.
Budget and donations: the director said the program’s building-maintenance account has about $1,700 remaining (pending a small refund), supplies about $90, and dues/fees roughly $180 after a CRPA payment. She also reported donations: a $500 anonymous gift designated for camp special visitors, and $1,410 from the Hashem Foundation to cover kayak trips and related activities (the exact allocation will be confirmed).
Facilities and operations: commissioners discussed recent beach-bathroom valve repairs, replacement of a sunken buoy, new sand and mulch deliveries for playgrounds, and removal of several rotted trees at Nichols Field. The director said a portable restroom near the dog park will be repaired and explained that the unit’s placement serves both beach visitors and playground users.
How the vote occurred: a commissioner moved to approve spending $4,666.10 for the gaga pit; another commissioner seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote.
The commission set its next meeting for Aug. 31 at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned.
