The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has removed an old and deteriorating restroom at Andrew Wiley Park in Sweet Home and, last week, replaced it with a more efficient, vault-style toilet that the Corps says will be easier and less expensive to maintain.
“We don’t usually have the funding to make major improvements at our recreation areas,” said Park Manager Tami Schroeder. “So, we are excited about this opportunity to update the facilities at Wiley Park.”
Demolition of the old building began in late September, and the vault toilet was installed on Friday, Oct. 20.
A crane lifted the pre-fabbed vaults off a flatbed truck Friday morning and dropped them into a hole, in which they appeared to line up perfectly. The actual restroom building, also pre-fabbed, was then lowered on top.
Park visitors should avoid the closed-off area until construction is completed and the disturbed soil is revegetated, Corps officials said.
“Replacing the current restroom facilities with concrete vault toilets will reduce operation and maintenance costs and decrease stress on the aging water and sewage systems at Foster Dam,” Schroeder said. “The new facility will also better accommodate people with disabilities because it is designed to comply with the American Barriers Act.”
This project is being funded through the Corps’ Recreation Infrastructure Investment Strategy, which supports local projects that promote efficiency and sustainability while continuing to provide high-quality recreation opportunities. The Corps’ office in the Willamette Valley made a special request for funds to complete the project.