BIG RAPIDS – The portable toilets at Northend Riverside Park in Big Rapids may soon be replaced by a permanent restroom facility.
The city has been working on plans to install permanent restrooms in the park for several years, and the City Commission approved a proposal from CXT, Inc. to install such a facility during its August 12 meeting.
Heather Bowman, public works director, told the board that city staff had been talking about the restroom project for some time and that the challenge was bringing a water supply and city sewer to a restroom facility in the park.
“Initially, the idea was to build a wooden structure, similar to a house, out of two-by-four-inch beams and drywall that the DPW crew would erect. However, after speaking with park staff, it was determined that this was probably not the best solution due to the high maintenance required in public restroom facilities,” Bowman said. “The next plan was to build a facility out of concrete blocks and a concrete slab. We had trouble with that because we don’t have crews to do masonry work.”
Finally, she said, they did a quick search and found that there are companies that offer already specified and approved restroom facilities. CXT, Inc. was identified as the highest rated company offering this service.
Cody Wyman, a DPW engineering employee, prepared plans for a septic tank and septic tank for the facility and submitted them to the health department. The plans have been approved, she said.
“This will be done by the DPW staff,” Bowman said. “We will put out a tender to build a well to supply water to the facility.”
The concrete structure will be erected on site at the company premises and, once the site has been prepared, will be delivered to the parking location by truck.
The facility will feature a unisex restroom with two stalls, sinks, hand dryers and changing tables, an outside drinking fountain and a timed electric locking system to lock the restrooms overnight.
The bid for the building, including utility hookups, is $152,253. Other costs include well installation and plumbing, bringing the total cost to $180,000.
The installation is scheduled to be completed this year.
For more information about toilet installation, visit: cityofbr.org or call 231-592-4000.
