City finishing $1.6 million for new restrooms at Hyde, Eagles, Corby and Hochman Park
ST. JOSEPH, Mo (News-Press NOW) -- It's officially out with the old and in with new and improved restrooms at locations throughout St. Joseph's park system.
St. Joseph Parks and Recreation is putting the finishing touches on $1.6 million for new restroom facilities at four different locations: Hyde Park, Hochman Park, Corby Pond and Eagles Baseball Fields.
The much-needed facilities mark a significant upgrade from the deteriorating and decades old restrooms that stood previously, some dating back as far as the 1950s.
“Their life spans had been not only reached but exceeded. So it was long past due for replacement," St. Joseph Assistant Parks Director Mark Pettit said. "Almost anybody that's used these parks. You hesitated a moment before going into the restrooms before."
Traditional men’s and women’s restrooms have now been replaced with family and unisex restrooms, with new layouts to improve disability access and the ease of maintaining and cleaning them.
Pettit said the city has already set up contracts to ensure the facilities are being cleaned on a daily basis.
“Functionality and longevity, we wanted robust and strong equipment in there that could take a beating because they tend to do that. We wanted these to last," he said.
The new restrooms -- which have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years -- now feature a modern design compared with the red brick finish of old park restrooms. New water fountains have also been installed with each restroom facility.
The new restroom facility at Eagles Baseball Fields was constructed to combine both the restrooms and concessions that were previously separated, helping accommodate a host of youth baseball players and families with the local Pony Express Baseball League.
"They're excited to get into it," he said. "We expect these to be great features for the city of St. Joe."
The supplemental projects are some of the last remaining items from the 2019-24 Capital Improvements Program list.
New restrooms were also recently installed in 2024 at Bartlett Park, Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center and Northside Complex.
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