New restrooms are coming to Riverside Park

By the time the new Riverfront Park is formally dedicated Aug. 3, there should not be a need for a porta-potty on the grounds.

Certainly, the park has had its share of detractors. Almost ever since plans for the revitalized perk were unveiled, some folks did not like the curvy road. Others thought the expense of the sprinkler system was exorbitant, some were critical of the tree planting and still others  have questioned the placement of the new Veterans Memorial Foundation bronze planned for the site.

Well folks, things have a way of working out in the end.

Consider this: The aesthetic curves of the road have found a purpose as it will neatly wrap around the Scott Lennard-created bronze. Nope. We didn’t know it then, but when completed, it will look like the road was made for the monument site. There will be parking lots on both sides of the expanding memorial, which will allow for easy access for all veterans, many of whom are aged and battle-weary.

Now comes word from the Park Committee that it’s close to having real flush toilets — men’s and women’s — by the time the park is dedicated on that first Saturday in August.

Cost of the bathroom, which will include an outside drinking fountain located smack-dab between the  His and Her’s, is almost paid for. 

Cost of the facility will be about $38,329. The building, which is prefabricated in Spokane by the CXT Co. and brought on-site, will be hooked up by city crews. Certainly, there will be additional expenses, which the Park Committee expects will not exceed $8,000.

Now, before we start to hear about overpriced privies, consider the Park Committee already has $30,000 in contributions for the restrooms. Yep, Burlington Northern has ponied up $20K and the Libby Parks Board and Plum Creek have each contributed $5K. And, according to Park Committee Chairwoman Peggy Williams the fundraising is not yet finished for the restrooms that will be located just southeast of the Fred Brown Pavilion in that little grassy area.

The location will be perfect for wedding parties and gatherings at the magnificent pavilion.

All in all, the Park Committee is hoping to get the restrooms paid for, but if it doesn’t happen, the city will step in and pay the balance.

So, come the Blues Festival this fall, won’t it be nice for all to have flush toilets a drinking fountain just a short jaunt away from the grandstand?

You bet it will!

That’s progress, folks. 

 (Alan Lewis Gerstenecker is editor of The Western News. His column appears weekly.)