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Commission approves three-week trial for Pomperaug Basketball to run MRA snack shack
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved a three-week trial, starting July 1, 2026, allowing the Pomperaug Basketball Community to operate the MRA snack shack; Commissioner Mike Roach recused himself for a conflict of interest.
The Commission discussed how to staff the MRA snack shack and weighed options including vending machines, food trucks and outside organizations running the stand.
Jennifer Mahr explained lifeguard staffing constraints, saying best practice calls for 45 minutes of active scanning followed by a 15-minute break, which means lifeguards can no longer reliably staff the snack shack during breaks. She said the town will place an adult at the gate to help enforce stickers and entry.
Chair Carolanne Browne made a motion and Commissioners Harold Zinno III and Robert Mastroianni moved and seconded the trial motion. The record shows Commissioner Mike Roach recused himself from the discussion and vote due to a conflict of interest. The motion was approved unanimously by those voting, and the Pomperaug Basketball Community will begin a three-week trial on July 1, 2026; if successful the arrangement could continue through the summer, and Pomperaug said they would engage youth with activities such as hoop shoots and ice cream events.
Resident John Jenusaitis said prior outsourced arrangements worked well in past seasons, and some speakers suggested reaching out to local businesses or scout groups for volunteer support.
