Matthew Burnette, Staff Writer

Manchester Recreation Center patrons may see an increase in price on many of the food and beverage items sold at the concession stand.

The Manchester Recreation Commission voted unanimously, with member Leslie Brassfield absent, to approve a new pricing list presented at their May 14 meeting.

Increases will range from 50 cents to a dollar on items such as chicken strips, drinks and candy items among others.

Parks and Recreation Director A.J. Fox also explained that the Rec Center will be installing a fountain drink dispenser at the concession stand. The cups will equal the volume of the bottled drinks they currently sell, which will now only be available at the front desk.

 The Rec Center is also in the process of installing a new point-of-sale system at the concession stand that will allow for credit and debit card sales for food and beverage items.

Employees will be trained on how to operate the two touch screens that will also more easily keep track of inventory for the Rec Center.

“It’s just going to make everything easier,” explained Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Becki Johnson. “We can keep track of our inventory and pricing and everything, and being able to take debit cards will be nice.”

Johnson also said they will be introducing a reloadable debit card for parents to put money on for children when they come to the Rec Center for camps and other activities as opposed to carrying cash around.

Cash can still be used at the concession stand.