Supervisors approve funding for public restrooms for Idyllwild

At its May 10 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved funding for constructing public restrooms in Idyllwild. Funds will come from a federal grant to help communities recover from economic consequences of the COVID pandemic.

“Residents and visitors from all over the world flock to Idyllwild to enjoy its unique and historic charm. By addressing the public restroom demand, we improve the public’s ability to enjoy all that Idyllwild has to offer,” 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington said in an email to the Town Crier. “Additionally, the County’s investment in this restroom project will support the business community, expand tourism and improve accessibility for all who visit this beautiful mountain community.”

Introducing the proposal, Washington said, “We are demonstrating how we, the county, along with a private property owner, and along with a nonprofit, can work together to bring something to the community that is a benefit.”

The 210 square-foot facility will be along North Circle Drive in front of the Mile Hi Plaza. While public restrooms have long been desired for the town, the project was rejuvenated when Stephanie Yost, Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) president, approached the Stewarts, Shane and Ashley, about their interest. They then sought the cooperation of the supervisor’s staff and the county.

The board approved $450,000 for the project, which includes planning and construction. The funding source is the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA requires that projects be completed by December 2026. The county’s budget projects it will be completed by the end of June 2023.

Washington shared that the prefabricated facility is “exactly like one the City of Murietta put adjacent to its $1 million-plus amphitheater. It looks very nice.”

The Stewarts have provided the location, the county supplied the funds and the San Jacinto Mountain Community Center (the nonprofit overseeing ICC) will be responsible for maintenance.

Describing the project to the board, Michael Franklin of the county’s Office of Economic Development said, “The project came about initially from the unincorporated community as an initiative. The number one request coming out of the community of Idyllwild, and also a constant request from visitors to that region.”

The county recognizes the importance of tourism to the Hill and how it was damaged during the COVID pandemic. Constructing public restrooms is a major step to help restore and increase visitors to Idyllwild.

“While it fosters tourism,” Franklin added, it provides restrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the town’s historic district.

According to Franklin, the facility will have a magnetic timed lock that will automatically lock at a designated set time.

“The time will be determined and coordinated with the community and the flow of visitors,” he said. If someone happened to be inside at locking time, Franklin added that there is an emergency egress button to get out.

“They will unlock at a designated time in the morning,” he added.