Most people think of public parks when they think of open spaces with play areas, walking trails and picnic areas. The thing that is often overlooked is the infrastructure that quietly affects the overall experience for visitors. The infrastructure that shapes the entire visitor experience is often neglected.

A badly designed bathroom can create maintenance problems access issues, as well as an experience that is out from the surrounding park. A well-designed building will however, improve traffic flow and reduce the need for maintenance in the long run, while supporting ADA compliance as well as contributing to the overall feel and look of the site. This is the reason why more authorities, landscape architects, and contractors are reconsidering the importance of bespoke park restroom constructions instead of opting for a prefab structure that is one-size-fits all.

It is important that the bathroom building is in line with the park, not the opposite.

Each park’s project is unique. A beach camp requires different environmental standards than an mountain trailhead. A sports facility that welcomes thousands of visitors each week requires a different layout for restrooms compared to an unassuming nature preserve. Certain projects require a structure to blend into an older downtown park. Other facilities require robust materials that are able to withstand extreme temperatures, heavy use, and minimal staffing.

The need for customization is essential. 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. The building materials, rooflines, floor plans, sidings, the fixtures and utilities systems should all work together in order to provide both function as well as appearance.

The reputation of Romtec has been built around this notion. Instead of pushing a generic box, the company collaborates with owners, contractors and landscape architects to develop structures that meet the needs of the area. This gives clients greater control over aesthetics, layout longevity, and performance.

The design process starts well before the construction phase.

Installation isn’t the only issue in public construction projects. The biggest challenge in public buildings is not the construction itself and everything that takes place prior to the moment that the first piece of material is delivered. Design drawings, specifications, permitting, code compliance, engineering, ADA considerations, submittals and bid package creation all require precision, time and knowledge of a specialist. If any of these elements are not in order or not planned properly the project could be delayed before it’s even started.

Expert park restroom designers add value by solving issues before they occur. Instead of requiring owners and architects with a jumble of information, a specialized service provider can provide a complete documentation that can be used to support bidding, review, engineering, and planning for construction. Romtec is well-known for its full specifications, design drawings renderings, engineered designs and submittals. This could save time for all involved. Such support is essential for the design teams as well as public agencies operating under strict deadlines. It reduces uncertainty, keeps the project moving and allows every stakeholder to focus on their area of knowledge.

The most successful park restroom construction company is one who thinks long-term ownership not just the construction

A bathroom for a park isn’t something you purchase only for a few hours. A restroom in a park is a benefit for the general public and must perform well over many years, even with constant use and changing weather conditions. The best partner for the construction project should think beyond initial costs and aesthetics. Durability is crucial. The same is true when it comes to fixture selection, ventilation design, utility access, roofing design and layout for plumbing. A property that appears appealing on day one but becomes difficult to maintain or expensive to fix will quickly turn into a burden for the owner.

This is a reason the best builder of park restrooms isn’t just the company which can build the most quickly. The partner who understands the long-term performance of a structure in the real world is the best. Romtec’s design-build experience covers code requirements and component vendors and installation processes. It also considers the state-specific requirements.

Custom is not the same as complex

When project teams hear “custom”, they immediately assume it means more risks, higher costs as well as a more difficult process. A good custom partner will make your project easier and less complicated. From design to installation a well-structured plan for custom restrooms provides a simple and rational process. This includes early design collaboration estimates, building documents engineering, supply of components, and in many cases the installation is turnkey. Owners can instead of assembling different vendors at every stage of the construction process work in conjunction with a team comprised of experts who can understand the whole lifecycle of the building.

This integrated method is particularly advantageous for parks and recreational projects that include more than a toilet. The site may require pavilions, utility buildings, multipurpose structures, or concessions. All of these should have a coordinated visual style.

Public buildings should feel like part of a place

The best parks don’t look like they were put together. They are connected to their surroundings. Bathrooms can add to the architectural style or reflect natural elements throughout the site. It could also help support an overall branding and placemaking strategy.

It’s because of this that the top design teams for bathrooms in parks pay more consideration to more than the code or function. They look at the impact of color palettes, roof forms alternatives for siding, as well as overall proportions on visitor experience. Sustainable goals can affect the choice of fixtures and other materials in certain projects. Some projects might require that the design reflect an old-fashioned aesthetic, or a unique idea of a landscape. These aspects are essential as people tend to remember public spaces not only for the amenities they offer, but also because of how they make them feel.

Better buildings create better park experiences

It may appear that it’s a simple structure. However, it can alter accessibility, comfort, and maintenance as also the impression that people get of public spaces. Contractors, owners, architects and designers can come up with a solution that is tailored to the site and users. It also helps them achieve the long-term objectives of the project.

Romtec is a partner with public agencies, design teams and architects for years. We help them create park restroom buildings along with the other buildings that are stunning, durable and constructed with care. The help of a park designer who has experience throughout the process can make a an enormous difference in projects that require more than the prefabricated box.