Newington Parks Commission Approves B&M Tree Service Sponsorship for July Extravaganza

Parks and Recreation · Meeting of June 17, 2026

Newington Parks Commission approves $1,500 B&M Tree Service sponsorship and greenlights 2027 venue deal as summer season opens. The commission voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a public-private partnership with B&M Tree Service, which will sponsor an interactive corn toss game at the Life-the-Innit Extravaganza at Mill Pond Park, July 15 through 18. The board also unanimously approved the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association's use of the Newington Community Center on February 12, 2027, for its annual entertainment showcase, with facility fees still to be negotiated after a dispute over fire-watch staffing requirements at the prior event.

Superintendent Scott Karras told softball program leader Mike Phelps, attending remotely, that he and staff are working with the town's grant writer to pursue Eversource funding to replace halogen lights at the Little League complex with LEDs — a move made urgent because replacement halogen bulbs may no longer be commercially available. Mill Pond Pool and Churchill Pool open Saturday, June 20, with more than 50 staff on board, and Camp Recreate is drawing above-average enrollment across all grade bands, with sixth through eighth graders at 118 participants against a roughly 120-slot total capacity.

In the full story:

• Background and stakes
• The question before the body
• Substantive content
• Procedural steps and outcome
• Implications and what is next
• Background and stakes
• The complete report — 3,024 words

Source: the Parks and Recreation meeting of June 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

The Full Article

Public Participation: Little League Lighting and Softball Enrollment

Background and stakes

The meeting opened with public comment from Mike Phelps, a Newington resident at 108 Tremont Street who has led the town's softball program for six years. Phelps had previously submitted written comments, which the commission confirmed were already incorporated into the meeting record.

The question before the body

Whether the commission could offer any update on field lighting concerns and rental policy at the Little League complex.

Substantive content

Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Scott Karras told Phelps that he and a staff member identified in the transcript only as Clay had already consulted the town's grant writer about securing Eversource funding to replace the complex's halogen light bulbs with LED fixtures. Karras noted that the life expectancy of the existing halogen bulbs is nearly exhausted and that replacement bulbs may not be commercially available in the future, creating a long-term operational risk.

"Clay and I have talked to the town's grant writer and we're trying to see if there's going to be some funds that we can get specifically for the bulb replacement at your complex." — Scott Karras, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation

Karras cited Rocky Hill, Connecticut, as a nearby municipality that completed a similar LED conversion through an Eversource grant within the past year or two, suggesting a viable path existed. He also addressed rental policy, telling Phelps that any rental revenue would be reinvested into the facilities and that town agencies would not be displaced by outside rentals.

Phelps reported that overall softball enrollment is up 25 percent over the past six years and that the program has expanded into new districts. He acknowledged that youth boys participation at the high school level is down, attributing it partly to competition from other sports and activities as students get older, and noted the Board of Education has items relating to youth and girls sports participation before it. Phelps added that coordination with staff — Clay and a staffer referred to only as Sam — has been smooth.

Procedural steps and outcome

No vote taken. The Eversource LED grant exploration remains a staff-level action item with no deadline stated.

Implications and what is next

If the halogen bulbs exhaust their supply without a replacement source secured, the fields face a lighting failure with no fallback. The grant writer contact and Eversource liaison outreach represent the current path forward; Karras did not give a timeline.

Program Reports: Preschool, Summer Camps, and Aquatics

Background and stakes

Staff delivered a broad end-of-year and pre-season report covering the Creative Playtime Preschool, Summer Sunshine camp, Camp Recreate, and aquatics operations at Mill Pond Pool and Churchill Pool.

Substantive content

The Creative Playtime Preschool concluded the 2025-2026 school year with 50 students total, including 12 graduates celebrated in a gymnasium ceremony. Staff member Jessica produced a personalized yearbook for families, described as requiring months of photo collection and layout work. New enrollments for fall are already coming in. The Summer Sunshine camp opens June 22, capped at 30 students, with openings remaining only for weeks one, two, and eight.

Camp Recreate enrollment across the seven-week summer session was described as above average. Kindergarten through first grade averaged 101 participants; grades two through three, 114; grades four through five, 97; and grades six through eight, 118 — the largest figure for that age group, which Karras noted is typically the smallest. The Leaders-in-Training program has 23 enrollees against a typical range of 12 to 15.

Mill Pond Pool and Churchill Pool are scheduled to open Saturday, June 20. Both pools hold valid state public pool licenses as of the June 16 inspection date mentioned in the report. The wading pool at Mill Pond is awaiting retesting of a chlorine reading before its license is issued; staff attributed the issue to a meter or water-quality instrumentation problem rather than an actual water quality failure. More than 50 staff, including substitutes, are in place.

The deliberation

Karras highlighted that two new staff members — Stephanie and Lizzie — were managing aquatics and camp respectively for the first time this summer. He was complimentary about their preparation while noting he would remain available to consult.

Procedural steps and outcome

No votes taken. These were informational reports.

Implications and what is next

Pool opening is Saturday, June 20. The wading pool license is expected to follow shortly once retesting is complete.

B&M Tree Service Sponsorship Agreement

Background and stakes

The commission has been building a public-private partnership revenue stream tied to the annual Extravaganza at Mill Pond Park. B&M Tree Service approached the commission to sponsor a specific activity at the July 2026 event.

The question before the body

Whether to formally accept a $1,500 sponsorship from B&M Tree Service for the interactive corn toss game at the Life-the-Innit Extravaganza, July 15-18, 2026.

Substantive content

The agreement is structured as a public-private partnership for $1,500. The sponsored activity is an interactive corn toss game at Mill Pond Park during the four-day Extravaganza. No other terms were described in deliberation.

The deliberation

The item drew no substantive debate. Karras introduced it briefly; commission member Trish read the motion into the record.

Procedural steps and outcome

Trish moved. Seconded by an unidentified member. Approved unanimously.

Implications and what is next

The $1,500 is part of the broader Extravaganza sponsorship picture. Karras indicated he would continue pursuing additional sponsors in the weeks before July 15, including Facebook Live promotions at sponsor businesses.

CRPA Entertainment Showcase Venue Agreement

Background and stakes

The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association holds an annual winter entertainment showcase at which parks and recreation departments from across the state audition and book performing acts for their summer concert series. The commission has hosted this showcase before. A prior event created friction with the fire marshal over staffing requirements, leaving the fee structure unresolved heading into this vote.

The question before the body

Whether to approve the CRPA's use of the Newington Community Center on February 12, 2027, with fees to be negotiated after the fire watch question is resolved.

Substantive content

The venue is the Newington Community Center. The date is February 12, 2027. Fees encompass facility rental, school bus, fire watch, and miscellaneous charges. Karras said the fire watch requirement at the prior event was, in his view, excessive — "a little obsessive" was his characterization — and he plans to meet with whoever the new fire marshal is to negotiate a more proportionate arrangement. Because that negotiation is pending, the board was asked to approve the event while leaving fees open-ended.

"That's why the fees are not going — so we don't necessarily know what we're going to charge, but it is a revenue." — Scott Karras, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation

A board member asked whether there was any documentation in the packet explaining the fee structure; Karras confirmed negotiation is ongoing.

The deliberation

Staff member Jim read the formal motion text. There was brief discussion about why fees were not fixed, which Karras addressed by explaining the fire marshal situation. No member opposed the open-ended structure; the value of hosting the showcase — as a networking and promotional platform for the department's summer programming — was noted as strong justification.

Procedural steps and outcome

Jim moved. Seconded. Approved unanimously.

Implications and what is next

Karras will meet with the incoming fire marshal to negotiate fire watch requirements before fees are finalized. The event is February 12, 2027.

Candlewick Park Photo Shoot and Ribbon Cutting

Background and stakes

Candlewick Park recently underwent a renovation that included the addition of an ADA-compliant sidewalk from the road to the rear parking area. The landscape installation company that did the work is now conducting a national promotional photo shoot.

Substantive content

The installer is scheduling a free public photo opportunity at the park on Wednesday, June 24. Families registered through the company's website in advance. Karras said the company produces a national catalog — distributed across the United States — featuring parks it has installed, and Newington's park and its name will appear in that publication.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony has been tentatively planned for an evening date to be announced, with invitations to go to the full Town Council, the parks commission, and other officials. Karras mentioned the possibility of a sponsor providing pizza.

Additionally, Karras referenced discussions with the town's grant writer about funding ADA improvements at one remaining park in the same vicinity. Completing that project would make all Newington parks ADA accessible — a goal he described as significant and one that had largely been advanced by his predecessor, Bill.

The deliberation

Members asked what the purpose of the photo shoot was. Karras explained it was promotional for the installation company's catalog. No objections were raised.

Procedural steps and outcome

No vote required. Photo shoot is June 24; ribbon-cutting date to be determined.

Implications and what is next

Completion of the final ADA park upgrade, once funded, would allow the town to market all its parks as fully accessible.

Extravaganza Update

Background and stakes

The Life-the-Innit Extravaganza is the commission's signature summer event, running July 15 through 18 at Mill Pond Park. The fireworks component requires a state of Connecticut permit, and as of the meeting that permit was pending.

Substantive content

Twenty-three food trucks are confirmed with a goal of 26. Karras said a person identified only as Roderick confirmed the fireworks paperwork has been submitted and needs local safety-agency signatures before going to the state for a final permit. The outgoing fire marshal had already approved the site plan. The fireworks shooter is confirmed. Volunteer staffing for the event is still being finalized, with summer staff expected to fill gaps.

Revenue from the two June events that preceded the Extravaganza — a Thursday outdoor concert and Food Truck Friday on June 12 and 13 — totaled $2,859 combined. Beer garden cash and card receipts, concessions, train rides, and tips were itemized: Thursday grossed approximately $1,692; Friday, which was cut short by storms, grossed $1,167. The food truck program separately grossed approximately $6,850. A more complete financial summary including sponsorships is forthcoming.

An iHeartMedia advertising campaign is planned for the Extravaganza, mirroring promotions used in prior years. A Channel 3 television segment featuring Karras aired during the week of the meeting on Great Day Live, with footage shared on the commission's Facebook page.

The deliberation

Members asked about crowd estimation methodology. Karras said staff member Roderick uses a GIS-based or AI-assisted system to derive attendance estimates and committed to getting more detail on that method.

Procedural steps and outcome

No vote required. This was an informational update.

Implications and what is next

The state fireworks permit is the outstanding critical item. Karras committed to following up immediately. The event is July 15 through 18.

Software and Registration System Review

Background and stakes

Karras flagged concerns about whether the department's current recreation management software — referred to in the transcript as "WebTrack" or a similar name — is being used to its full capability following staff turnover.

Substantive content

Karras said he has noticed that when residents call to register for programs, staff sometimes cannot efficiently complete the registration on a smartphone-accessible platform, creating a poor user experience. He also noted that co-sponsoring instructors currently lack self-service access to their own rosters, requiring staff to manually email or deliver lists. He described desired functionality: real-time roster access for instructors, targeted email blasts by program, and improved mobile registration.

Karras noted that the software's pricing model may be based on revenue generated, making it a year-to-year contract rather than a long-term commitment. He acknowledged the possibility of evaluating alternative platforms if the current one cannot be adequately trained or configured.

The deliberation

A board member noted she was unfamiliar with the specific software. Another member said staff had been responsive when troubleshooting issues like deposit handling. Karras said the immediate step would be comprehensive staff training to assess whether existing functionality addresses the gaps before considering a switch.

Procedural steps and outcome

No vote required. A training initiative is the next step.

Fall Programming Discussion

Background and stakes

The commission lost the water lantern festival from its fall calendar and was looking for replacement programming that could generate both revenue and community engagement between the end of summer programming and the Night of Lights event.

Substantive content

Ideas discussed included a 0.5-kilometer fun run around Mill Pond with interactive hydration or obstacle stations; a Halloween-themed outdoor family movie night; a mini field day with relay races and similar activities; and a combination approach involving pre-movie lawn games before a film screening. Staff member Lizzie was credited with proposing a broader day-long team-oriented event structure.

On the outdoor movie concept, Karras noted past costs for screen rental and movie copyright licensing as obstacles, but a board member — who identified herself as a former parks director in Bolton — said she had secured a grant there to purchase a projector and screen outright, and noted that grants are available for this kind of capital purchase. Members agreed that once the equipment is owned, ongoing costs drop substantially.

The deliberation

Members were generally enthusiastic. One member noted the mill pond loop is approximately 0.3 miles. Discussion touched on whether a charge should be levied; the consensus was that breaking even through concessions or a sponsorship was acceptable, and that community-building value justified a zero-admission model.

Procedural steps and outcome

No vote taken. Karras said he would return to the next meeting with a more developed proposal.

Parkland Parking Lot and Rainwater Recapture Project

Background and stakes

The town is planning to resurface the parking lot at Parkland and has engaged Town Engineer Chris to lead the project. During planning, Chris raised the possibility of incorporating a stormwater recapture system beneath the new drainage layer.

Substantive content

A background page in the meeting packet described the concept. Phase one — drainage installation — is targeted for completion before fall. The proposed addition would capture rainwater runoff, pass it through a filtration system to remove road salt and particulates, and store it for reuse in watering park plantings, washing vehicles, and other non-potable applications. Any excess would continue into the standard drainage system. Karras said the system would cost the parks department nothing beyond what is already budgeted for the parking lot project.

The deliberation

Karras was clear that no vote was required, as the change involves no additional cost to the parks budget. He described it as an opportunity to market the town's environmental stewardship publicly. Members were receptive.

Procedural steps and outcome

No vote required. Town Engineer Chris is leading; phase one drainage work is expected before fall.

Implications and what is next

If incorporated, this would be the first stormwater recapture system in Newington's parks infrastructure and could reduce the labor hours currently spent manually filling water containers for plantings.

Commission members present:

• Beth — member (first name only in transcript)
• Trish — member (first name only; made motion on B&M Tree Service item)
• Eileen — member (first name only)
• Austin — member (first name only)
• Tim — member (first name only; two Tims noted in rollcall)
• AJ — member (first name only)
• Scott — possibly member or staff (first name only; distinct from Scott Karras based on context)

Commission members absent (per rollcall):

• Carol — absent
• Mia — absent
• Phil — absent
• John — absent
• Diana — absent
• Nancy — initially listed as absent; later connected by phone, attending as remote participant

Staff in attendance:

• Scott Karras — Superintendent of Parks and Recreation
• Stephanie — staff member, aquatics (first name only)
• Lizzie — staff member, camp director (first name only)
• Jessica — staff member, preschool program (first name only)
• Clay — staff member (first name only; parks operations)
• Sam — staff member (first name only; scheduling)
• Jim — staff member (first name only; read CRPA motion)
• Roderick — staff member or contractor (first name only; fireworks coordination, crowd estimation)
• Chris — Town Engineer (first name only)

Public commenters:

• Mike Phelps, 108 Tremont Street, Newington — attending remotely; leads the town softball program; submitted prior written comments about the Little League complex
• Nancy Capella — attending remotely (name supplied by another participant)
• Renee Danino — Channel 3 television reporter who interviewed Karras for Great Day Live; not present at the meeting but referenced in staff report

Outside parties:

• B&M Tree Service — local tree service company; $1,500 sponsor for corn toss game at the Extravaganza
• Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association (CRPA) — statewide organization; hosting entertainment showcase at Newington Community Center, February 12, 2027
• Eversource — utility; potential grant source for LED lighting at Little League complex
• Landscape installer (company name not stated) — installed Candlewick Park; conducting national promotional photo shoot June 24
• Eversource — utility company; identified as a potential grant source for LED light conversion at the Little League complex; cited as having funded a similar project in Rocky Hill recently
• Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association (CRPA) — statewide recreation professionals association; hosting 2027 entertainment showcase at Newington Community Center; central to item 4
• Channel 3 / Great Day Live — local television program; aired segment on Newington parks featuring Scott Karras during the week of the meeting
• iHeartMedia — radio advertising network; used for prior Extravaganza promotion; planned again for July 2026 event
• WebTrack (or similar name) — recreation management software platform currently used by the department; cited in discussion of training and potential replacement
• Board of Education — referenced by Mike Phelps as having agenda items related to youth and girls sports participation; not directly before the commission
• Town grant writer — unnamed staff member who is exploring Eversource and other funding for both the LED lighting project and the final ADA park upgrade
• Parkland parking lot project background sheet — one-page document included in the meeting packet, prepared by Town Engineer Chris, describing the stormwater recapture concept; cited during the parks capital projects discussion