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Newington parks director reports strong summer registrations, pools to open June 20
Summary
The parks director told the board that preschool enrollment reached 50 (12 graduates), camp and aquatics registrations are up, and Mil Pond and Church Hill pools will open June 20 after licensing and staff training.
The Newington parks director reported that the Creative Play preschool completed the 2025–2026 year with 50 enrolled students and 12 preschool graduates, and that registration interest for fall is increasing.
The director said Camp Summer Sunshine will begin Monday, June 22, with a maximum capacity of 30 students and a few openings remaining. Camp Recreate averages were reported by grade: kindergarten–1 about 101 participants, grades 2–3 about 114, grades 4–5 about 97 and grades 6–8 about 118.
Mil Pond and Church Hill pools are scheduled to open Saturday, June 20. "Our staff is finishing up training this week," the director said, noting both pools received annual public pool licenses and one pool is pending retesting related to chlorine readings. The department said it has more than 50 staff, including substitutes, allocated to aquatics this year.
Event revenue from recent summer programming was also reviewed. The director reported Newington Ghost Country (Thursday) grossed $1,692 (beer garden cash $655, card $565; concessions $226; train $220; tips $26). Food Truck Friday (Friday) grossed $1,167 (beer garden cash $607, card $240; concessions $81; train $185; tips $54). The two-night total was $2,859 and the department estimated the broader food-truck festival grossed about $6,850 including sponsors.
Why it matters: higher enrollments and staffed aquatics reduce reliance on outside hires and help the department plan programming and safety coverage for summer. The department also highlighted outreach and media coverage that promoted attendance.
What’s next: the department will finalize staff assignments for camp and pools, continue outreach for remaining camp openings, and prepare for the July Life Extravaganza with confirmed vendors and volunteers.
