The Parks & Recreation Commission spent its meeting Tuesday night debating how to address the town’s recent enactment of new water restrictions.

Parks & Recreation Director Jon Lewitus explained that he had initiated the shutoff of irrigation systems at the dog park on Pratt Way, the Town Common and Carrigan Park. 

Due to a lack of significant rainfall, the town enacted water conservation measures for all customers connected to the municipal water system. The measures restrict lawn watering and the use of sprinkler systems.

However, because all Parks & Rec properties are fed by wells (with the exception of Carrigan) the department is not obligated to comply with the town’s latest mandate.

“We don’t technically need to adhere to the ban,” said Lewitus, “but ethically … do we want to adhere to [it]?”

The commission was split on how to approach the issue.

Member Kyle Smith worried about prioritizing public relations over infrastructure.

“It’s not worth $300,000 to redo whatever facility gets completely ruined from under-watering for optics,” said Smith.

Vice chair Amy O’Donnell echoed Smith’s concerns, expressing hesitancy over shutting down watering operations at facilities like the Fruit Street athletic fields.

“We’ve spent years trying to fix those fields,” she said.

Chair Daniel Terry believed the issue was more nuanced. He advocated for drawing down some watering operations while making sure Parks & Rec facilities get the care they need.

Members of the commission agreed that given the change in seasons, the risk of properties being damaged by under-watering had lessened. 

They also were in agreement that facilities like Fruit Street — which went through significant turf replacement in 2022 — needed to be prioritized in whatever plan the commission devised.

The commission directed Lewitus to solicit opinions from turf management experts and come back with recommendations. Lewitus agreed to focus on a solution that would “keep the fields healthy but also bring water [use] down to a reasonable level if possible.”

HHS sophomore pitches vending machines for Fruit Street

Braden Lu and Paul Lu of Famished Machines, LLC met with the commission to pitch their proposal for vending machine services at the Fruit Street athletic fields.

Lewitus prefaced the presentation by explaining he had met with Braden Lu previously and wanted to bring the idea to the commission.

Park & Rec has been looking to install vending machines at the Fruit Street facility for some time. It had sent out requests for proposals previously but received none.

Braden Lu outlined his proposal to the commission, explaining the need for vending machines at the fields and the services his company is prepared to offer the department.

A multi-sport athlete at Hopkinton High School and a referee, Braden Lu has seen the need for vending options at Fruit Street first-hand.

“The first thing my fellow referees said when we got on the field for the first time this fall was, ‘I’m hungry,’ ” he said.

Famished Machines — the company Braden Lu and his father, Paul, started in 2024 — hopes to meet this need by offering a tailored vending service for up to three machines. The machines would sit outside the Fruit Street concession stand and be in operation from the beginning of April to the end of November.

Per discussions with Lewitus, the machines would provide a variety of healthy options but no sugary drinks. 

Braden Lu informed the commission that “athletic-specific products” like tape and gauze would be available as well.

For security and accessibility, the vending machines would be equipped with security cameras and wireless chip readers.

Built into the proposal is an offer to give 10% of proceeds back to Parks & Rec. Stating he’s been “fortunate enough to be a part of lots of Parks & Rec-sponsored activities,” Braden Lu hopes to give back some of what he earns.

Commission members asked the Lus about logistical issues, such as restocking and product selection. 

Terry expressed concerns about pricing, stating he did not want a situation where items were being sold at “Fenway Park prices.”

Paul Lu assured the commission that the price points for all items would be reasonable, and that Famished Machines would work to maintain transparency around pricing and profit margins.

“This is a public service,” said Paul Lu. “We’re not here to gouge that.”

Smith focused on potential security issues with the cameras inside the machines and the card readers. He warned that the wireless card readers could pose a cybersecurity risk if hooked into IT assets already present in the Fruit Street concession stand.

The commission was favorable to Famished Machines’ pitch, but recommended a slower draw-up than what was proposed. Members advocated for starting with one machine and seeing how demand plays out.

“You will sell stuff down there,” said O’Donnell, “I just don’t know what the distribution will be like.”

After their round of questions, commission members directed Lewitus to tentatively enter into contract with Famished Machines after reviewing procurement policies and town safety regulations.

“I’m thrilled we’re now coming up with an option,” said Terry.