Board pursues information on rehoming vault toilet and seeks community projects for Amish volunteer build

The Parks and Recreation Board discussed a request from a representative of a local Amish community to refurbish or ‘‘rehome’’ a vault toilet at Connors Field and solicited other community-build ideas the group could undertake.

The chair described the request as a low-cost, community-led option: "They are looking to do a 1 or 2 day build or refurbish," she said, noting the group previously helped with a food pantry project. Board members asked staff to verify whether the existing concrete vaults and infrastructure remain viable.

A staff member responded that the Connors Field facility is a vault toilet (concrete vault) rather than a septic-permitted system and offered to contact a subject-matter expert and return with information prior to the next meeting. "I can certainly I'll reach out this week and see if I can get an answer hopefully before the next meeting," the staff member said.

Board members discussed alternative volunteer projects as well, suggesting pavilion repairs, concession-stand refurbishment and assistance with baseball facilities at McCarthy Park as possible projects suited to carpentry volunteers.

Why this matters: Volunteer-built or -refurbished restroom and small facilities projects can lower county costs and accelerate park usability; confirming the underlying vault condition is necessary before permitting a rebuild.

Next steps: Staff will contact a vault-toilet subject-matter expert to determine whether the Connors Field vaults remain usable and will report findings at the next board meeting. Board members will also check with volunteer groups (baseball concession operators, Rotary) about needs that may match the Amish group's carpentry skills.