Public parks are often thought of as open green spaces that include playgrounds, walking trails as well as picnic areas and gathering areas. What is not often noticed is the infrastructure that quietly influences the whole visitor experience. Toilet buildings, utility structures and pavilions aren’t always the first thing that people will notice. However, they can make a park appear functional as well as inviting and simple to access.

Inadequately designed restrooms can create maintenance issues, accessibility problems and an impression that they are out of place in the park. A building that is thoughtfully designed can enhance traffic flow and reduce costs for maintenance, adhere to ADA regulations, and enhance the look and feel of a site. This is why a lot of agencies such as landscape architects, contractors and other organizations are rethinking the value of designing custom park restrooms instead of construction kits.

A restroom should be built to suit the park and not make the park fit the building

Each park’s project is unique. A mountain trailhead has different environmental requirements than a beach camping site. A sports facility that hosts hundreds of daily visitors requires an entirely different layout for restrooms than a serene nature preserve. Certain projects require a construction which blends with a historical downtown park, while others require strong materials that can stand up to harsh weather, heavy use, and minimal on-site staffing.

The importance of customizing is in the details. The best park building designer understands that the building should respond to the site, the climate, the expected use, and the design goals of the overall project. Materials, rooflines and floor plans, sidings, plumbing and fixtures should all be in sync to provide both function and appearance.

Romtec has built its brand around this concept. Rather than pushing an unspecific prefabricated box, Romtec collaborates with property owners, landscape architects, and contractors to design structures that fit the exact needs of each site. This approach allows clients to be more in control of aesthetics and layout, in addition to quality and durability.

The process of designing a home is well before construction starts

Installation isn’t the only issue in the construction of public buildings. It’s everything that takes place prior to the moment that the first construction material arrives at the location. Design drawings, specifications, permitting, code compliance, engineering, ADA considerations, submittals and bid package preparation all require precision, time and knowledge of a specialist. If any of these elements are not in order or not coordinated correctly, the project may be delayed before it’s even started.

Expert park restroom designers add value by addressing issues early. A partner with specialization can offer the complete documentation for bidding review, engineering and construction planning. Romtec is a reputable company for its complete specifications including engineering plans, renderings, and submittals. This will save everyone involved a significant amount of time. Such support is essential for design teams and public entities that are working on tight schedules. It reduces uncertainty it keeps the project moving and allows every stakeholder to concentrate on their area of specialization.

The best builder of park restrooms considers ownership over the long term, not just the construction

A park toilet is not an investment that can be made in the short term. It’s an asset that will last for many years under varying weather conditions and requires ongoing maintenance. The right partner for the construction project must look beyond initial costs and appearance. Durability is crucial. The same goes for the selection of fixtures, ventilation design, access to utilities roofing design and plumbing layout. A building that looks attractive the first day but becomes hard to maintain or costly to repair, will soon end up being a burden on the owner.

This is one reason why the best builder of park restrooms is not just the one that can deliver an structure in the quickest time. It’s the one who knows how the structure will function in the real world. Romtec’s expertise in design-build encompasses the state-specific requirements for code compliance, component suppliers, logistical aspects and logistics. This assists owners in creating buildings which are not only gorgeous but also practical and able to run in the long run.

Custom is not as a complex

When some project teams they hear the term “custom” immediately imagine higher risk, more costly and a more lengthy process. The right partner for your project can make your project simpler and less complicated. A well-structured custom restroom building program will provide a clear path from design to installation. This includes early design coordination, estimating, building documentation, engineering, component supply and, in many instances, full-service installation support. Instead of having to assemble different vendors at every stage of the project work with a team of experienced experts who are aware of the complete duration of the building.

This integrated approach is particularly advantageous for park and recreational projects that have more than just a restroom. There may be a need for concessions, pavilions or multi-purpose buildings. All of them should have an identical design.

Public buildings should be a part of the community

The most beautiful parks do not result from a last-minute decision. They are connected to their surroundings. The restroom structure can be a reflection of the natural materials found in the park, reinforce the architectural style of the location or improve the branding and design for the entire system.

That is why the best park bathroom designers pay keen focus on more than just code and function. They think about how colors selections for siding roof shapes, as well as overall proportions impact the user experience. In some cases, sustainability goals can influence the choice of fixtures and materials. In other instances the design may have to be integrated with a historical aesthetic or a unique design concept for the landscape. The details are crucial because public spaces are often remembered not just for the services they offer, but for how they feel for the users.

Better buildings create better park experiences

A park restroom may seem like a simple structure but it has an impact on accessibility, comfort, maintenance as well as the overall impression visitors get away from the public space. The owners, architects, contractors and designers are able to design a solution that is tailored to the specific location and its users. This also assists them to in achieving the long-term goals of the plan.

Romtec has been a trusted partner to public organizations, design teams and architects for several years. We assist them in creating parks with restrooms, as well as the other buildings that are durable, beautiful, and engineered with care. For projects that require more than the standard prefabricated box having the top park architect and a team with experience in all phases of the process can be the key to success.