When Urbana Youth Sports kicks off its 2017 baseball and softball seasons on April 29, parents and players will have a new amenity available to them at Melvin Miller Park – a new indoor restroom facility.
Director of Administration Kerry Brugger informed City Council on April 18 that the 19-foot by 21-foot, free-standing structure is 99 percent complete (exterior grading and seeding work remains) and now open. He added the new infrastructure means visitors to the ball diamonds at the park will no longer have to decide on whether or not to use one of the city-provided Porta-Johns or hike it to another indoor restroom facility.
“It’s good news for the city,” Brugger said. “I think kids and families out in that area (of the park) will appreciate it as we go forward.”
Located just behind the Pony League announcer booth/concession stand, which sits just south of the large parking lot between the quad ball diamonds and adult softball fields at Melvin Miller Park, the new facility was built by St. Paris-based Howell Buildings Company and features a men’s side and a women’s side. The men’s side includes two sinks, one stall and two urinals, while the women’s restroom features two sinks and three stalls.
Brugger said the restroom facility won’t be opened 24/7. Instead, it will be locked up following all ballgames.
As for the cost of the structure, council approved the project in October 2016 at an estimated cost of $62,044.88. Brugger said while the final expenditures have yet to be finalized, the project could end up running roughly $1,000 over budget.
Approximately 45 percent of the project, however, is being funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, while the city is paying for the remaining balance though capital improvement funds.
