By Jamie Wiggan
Staff Writer
-Robinson-
Robinson residents will be able to enjoy an improved range of refreshments at the Clever Park pool this year thanks to an agreement committing local catering company Hanlon’s to operate the concession stand.
“I believe the food will be much better, and it will run a lot smoother,” said Township Manager Frank Piccolino during a public meeting May 4, where commissioners approved the agreement.
Piccolino said the agreement commits Hanlon’s to operating the stand for just one year, with the option of extending it should things pan out well.
With locations in Crafton and Robinson, Hanlon’s is a family-owned diner-style restaurant with a catering arm offering a variety of cuisine choices.
Also during the meeting, commissioners highlighted other updates for the pool as it reopens for the first time since 2019 on account of the coronavirus pandemic.
Piccolino said current guidelines permit the township to operate the pool at 75% capacity, but officials are still working out a final number they will adhere to. Swim lessons will resume again, with class sizes “a little bit smaller,” Piccolino said.
Season passes will be sold May 15–22.
Piccolino said the pool also faces a significant shortage of lifeguards and may have to further reduce operating capacity if more aren’t recruited soon.
“We’re getting to that critical point where we need lifeguards for this pool,” he said.
Interested candidates can be certified during a weekend by pool manager Jeff Ellis, and will earn $12-13 hourly once employed.