The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department’s Board of Directors approved moving forward with plans for a single user, waterless pit, Americans With Disabilities Act (ACT) accessible restroom, on the west side of the Schildberg Recreation Area. Parks and Rec Director Seth Staashelm said he looked at two separate proposals, and recommended the board approve CXT “Gunnison” Model Concrete building that has the following features:

• Floorplan 6′ 6″ x 14′ 8″; • 1 toilet riser (ADA compliant); • ADA grab bars; • 1 waste clean out hatch and • 1 concrete waste vault (1,000 gallon capacity).

Gunnison-style restroom

The Gunnison design runs $18,170-dollars, which is under the $26,000 budget. Once it’s ordered, the restroom can be dropped-off anytime the site is prepared for delivery. The restroom will not be lit or have electrical and plumbing hookups, but Staashelm said there will lighting in the park itself to provide usable illumination.

Speaking of restrooms, Staashelm said restrooms at the other City Parks are closed for the season and winterized. The parks themselves are open for use, though. In other business, the Atlantic Parks and Rec Board approved a service agreement with Snyder Engineers and Associates for a $220-to $250,000 Bath House/Shelter project at the Schildberg Rec Area. It will include showers and restrooms for men and women, along with a possible concessions area and six picnic tables. Bids will likely be let over the Winter, with construction starting sometime early next Summer and completion by August or September.

And, Staashelm spoke to the Board about a Park Shelter Reservation Proposal. The proposal entails a reservation fee for three of the seven most popular shelters, including at Sunnyside Park: the Camblin Addition, Kiddie Korral and the East Shelter. Those three are also the largest shelters in the parks system. Staashelm recommends two time slots, one covering morning and lunch, the other covering dinner and night time slots, at $20 each. Full day use is $35. Reservations must be made 24-hours in advance. Payments can be made online, at a drop-box at the Parks and Rec Office, and possibly, at City Hall, although has not yet been officially approved.

You can make your reservations online at AtlanticIowa.com, and look for the Parks link.