In a recent government meeting, officials expressed concerns over the reduced number of bathrooms in the redesign of the Angel Oak property. Originally, the plans included multiple restroom facilities, but the latest rendering has cut this down to just two bathrooms, prompting discussions about the adequacy of these facilities for the expected visitor volume.

The reduction in bathrooms was attributed to fundraising costs, raising questions about the project's priorities. Officials emphasized the importance of adequate restroom facilities, particularly for school groups arriving by bus, who often require immediate access upon arrival. The current plan includes only three stalls for women, which many believe will be insufficient given the anticipated increase in visitors.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted changes to the park's layout, including the removal of a proposed walking trail designed to protect the roots of the iconic Angel Oak tree. This alteration has raised concerns among officials, who plan to address these issues in future discussions with the project team.

Despite these setbacks, the redesign includes plans for an upscale gift shop and outdoor classrooms, which officials noted as positive developments. However, the primary focus remains on advocating for more restroom facilities to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the site. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue negotiations to ensure the project meets the community's needs.