Amish group offers volunteer rebuild of county vault toilet; board to check vault viability

A representative connected to the Amish community told the Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board on April 30 that the group is willing to perform a one- or two-day build or refurbishment project for the county as a community service.

The board discussed a vault toilet at Conners Field that is currently in poor condition. Members said the structure's wooden superstructure is deteriorated and asked whether the concrete vaults beneath remain viable. County staff and board members clarified that the site uses vault toilets (poured concrete vaults) rather than septic tanks and that the vaults may have dried or degraded if not pumped or maintained.

Board members asked the chair to consult a subject-matter expert and to report back about the vaults' condition before the next meeting. The chair told the group she would reach out to a knowledgeable contact to determine whether refurbishing the existing vaults is feasible; if the vaults are serviceable, the board said the Amish group could help rebuild or replace the above-ground structure at no cost to the county.

Other suggested community projects included refurbishing the concession stand at Commerce Field, repairing or replacing dugouts at baseball fields, and pavilion or shelter work where volunteer carpenters could contribute. Board members noted that many local volunteer groups, including Rotary and 4-H, have previously done one-day build efforts for parks and community facilities.

Next steps: Chair Jen Dalerpa said she would contact a subject-matter expert during the week and aim to provide an update before the board's next meeting. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for May 19.