The cookie dough ice cream Max Cobb enjoyed at Apponagansett Park isn’t just one of his favorite flavors, it also represents the start of the summer ice cream season.

The 7-year-old was the very first customer at The Bucket at Gulf Hill. After spending the morning clamming and playing on the playground, he ordered the first scoop at the town-operated ice cream shop with Kate and Erin Cobb and 12-year-old Tabitha Cobb.

“We were just waiting until it opens and he kept asking,” Kate said, noting that their order was a half-hour earlier than The Bucket’s 12 p.m. opening time.

Visitors to the ice cream stand can expect to see a few changes, explained manager Arthur Domingos. A recently completed pavilion now protects customers from the summer sun in the seating area, and there are new menu options, including a new lobster roll and one new item introduced due to popular demand.

“We have tater tots,” Domingos said. “That’s the big thing now, tater tots.”

With highs into the mid-80s and bright sunshine, Domingos said it was one of the best days weather-wise since last summer -- perfect ice cream weather.

The Bucket has been operated by the town for the past four years, and sells about 22 flavors of ice cream, sundaes, burgers, seafood, drinks, and other food items.

The Bucket is currently open from 12 to 8 p.m. on weekends. Once school lets out, it will shift to a seven-day schedule.