Elkhart County Parks states its goal: “Inspiring connections with culture & nature.” Photo provided.

News Release

ELKHART — The Elkhart County Park and Recreation Board in collaboration with the Elkhart County Commissioners, Council, Stormwater and Surveyor’s Offices hosted a restroom ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 18 to celebrate the opening of the public restrooms in the various Elkhart County Parks over the coming month. 

The event celebrates the grand opening of the largest restroom of the entire project located near the Fisherman’s Shelter at Ox Bow County Park. It was designed with six stalls in an area of the park where major events are held including cross country meets, local fundraising 5Ks, as well as Elkhart County Parks sponsored events.

The unit is one of four modern plumbed restrooms and eleven latrines that have been placed in six Elkhart County Park locations with a majority of the funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to assist communities with infrastructure projects. This project exemplifies the routine collaboration between various Elkhart County Departments and Elected officials that improve the quality of life for Elkhart County citizens.

“The improved restroom project will protect water resources through the park system and benefit thousands of park users,” stated John Heileger, Stormwater Coordinator and project manager. A majority of the original latrines in the County Park system were installed in the 1970s with some having leaking vaults in recent years.

The restroom replacement project is the largest one-time investment in the 57 year history of the Elkhart County Parks, but the project goes beyond just replacing restrooms. The four modern restrooms required new wells, septics and electric while new vaults were placed for the latrines. All of the restrooms are made of precast concrete with locking systems for when the park closes. The sites can also serve as storm shelters during inclement weather within the parks due to their strength and build. In addition, another great cost to the project was the engineering and installation of accessible concrete parking pads and walkways to each of the restrooms which is important for park guests, especially those with mobility challenges.

“I cannot believe how excited I am about new toilets!” stated Suzanne Weirick, County Commissioner, “The entire restroom project will help elevate and make visiting Elkhart County Parks more enjoyable and accessible for everyone, no matter their ability.”

Presently five of the restrooms are open to the public and the installation of infrastructure, concrete and landscaping will be completed within the next month on the remaining bathrooms. The six locations that will include new latrines and modern restrooms are Bonneyville Mill County Park, Ox Bow County Park, River Preserve County Park, Boot Lake Nature Preserve, Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and the new Corson Riverwoods County Park.

“The Park Board can’t thank the County Commissioners and County Council enough for their support on this project,” said Ronda DeCaire, Director of Parks. “We know that the public is anxious for this project to be complete and we appreciate their support and patience throughout the construction period.”

For more information about the Elkhart County Parks, as well as upcoming programs and park activities visit elkhartcountyparks.org.