Newtown Parks & Recreation Commission Approves Surcharge Increases, Reviews Budget

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Parks & Recreation Commission voted to increase resident and non-resident program surcharges beginning in fall 2026 and approved its January meeting minutes during its Feb. 10 meeting.

Commissioners voted unanimously to raise indoor resident surcharges from $25 to $30 and non-resident surcharges from $35 to $40. Outdoor resident surcharges will increase from $35 to $40 and non-resident surcharges from $70 to $75. The motion was made by Commissioner Aaron Britton and seconded by Vincent Yanni. The vote was unanimous.

The commission also unanimously approved adding Jan. 12, 2027, to its 2026 meeting calendar. Britton made the motion and Commissioner Adam Angerami seconded. All members voted in favor.
The meeting was held at the Newtown Teen Center, 53 Church Hill Road, and was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chairman Clinton DePaolo.

In budget discussions, DePaolo said the 2026–27 Parks & Recreation budget was included in the First Selectman’s proposal and that some reductions had been made by the Board of Selectmen, including funding for a part-time clerk position. Assistant Director Carl Samuelson reported that program surcharges have not increased since 2019 and that rising costs have required adjustments. He said hourly surcharges will continue to be reviewed on a rotating basis every two years.

Director Amy Mangold discussed collaboration with the Cultural Arts Commission regarding winter events following the December 2026 Tree Lighting. Mangold said the department is exploring interactive art installations, heated food options and event programming, and will continue gathering community feedback.

Mangold also reported on the department’s AquaZip'N pool amenity project, stating that a recommended contractor has been identified and that the engineering apparatus for state certification is under review.

In the Assistant Director’s report, Samuelson said staff had worked extended hours responding to a recent snowstorm. He said one plow truck was damaged during the storm; the replacement cost is $115,000, with insurance coverages estimated at $60-70,000. The pole knocked down at the Sandy Hook Memorial was replaced.

Samuelson also reported that Treadwell Park scoreboard repairs are funded through the Treadwell Fund and that work continues on storm cleanup at Pole Bridge Preserve.

The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. on a unanimous vote.