When the town asked Schererville residents what they wanted most in their parks, at the top of the list was a request for better bathrooms at Redar Park.

The town responded to the survey by directing architect McDonough Associates to design a bathroom facility for the park.

Last month, the Town Council approved a $572,000 contract for the facility, which the town is calling a comfort station.

And on Monday, architect Mike Shymanski, of McDonough Associates, made a presentation to the Schererville Park Board, explaining the scope of the project.

The project was estimated to cost the town about $640,000. The highest bid came in at $743,260, and the lowest bid was from Gariup Construction for $572,000.

Because the town is using Community Development Block Grant funds, the town must pay a prevailing wage to the workers, which translates into union rates, Shymanski said.

In his presentation to the board, Shymanski focused on the durability of the building, which is designed to last up to 100 years. He described its 14-inch thick walls made of graffiti-resistant materials and glazed on the interior for easy maintenance.

The handicapped-accessible building will include bathrooms, a heating system, an office/multiuse space, interior and exterior concession stands, storage and a sheltered lobby and vending area.

The building is designed to contemporary codes and standards. It can act as a shelter from the wind or sun, and it can act as a first aid station during Schererville events, Shymanski said.

More than 30,000 people visit Redar Park each year, Parks Superintendent John Novacich said.

It is important the town has a support facility for its events, he said.

Novacich said he is grateful the Town Council approved the facility for the park.

“I’m glad they realize parks are an essential part of our community,” Novacich said.

The facility also will act as a rest stop for the planned Pennsy Greenway, a bike and pedestrian trail that will link Crown Point to Lansing, intersecting through Schererville, Shymanski said.

The existing bathroom facilities at Redar Park are vandalized and damaged by fire, he said.

source : BY VANESSA RENDERMAN from nwitimes.com