Vermillion hires local contractor for Lions Park restroom repairs after water damage and vandalism
November 04, 2025 | Vermillion , Clay County, South Dakota
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The Vermillion City Council on Nov. 3 authorized a contract with AMS Building & Construction to repair and replace the Lions Park Campground restroom floor after staff discovered extensive water damage and recurring vandalism.
City staff said the restroom was renovated in 2015 and reopened in 2024 after a phased project funded in part with Land and Water Conservation Fund grant money and city budget allocations. Over the past two years staff observed vandalism that damaged the floor and, during the summer, discovered numerous weak spots and evidence of unrepairable water damage to the subfloor.
"Structurally, staff recommends that this restroom facility should not be reopened to the public until the damage is repaired," a staff presenter said. AMS Building (a local contractor) inspected the facility and provided a cost estimate included in the council packet of roughly $34,163.
Staff recommended replacing the tile floor with a poured concrete basin with rebar to improve durability and resistance to the kinds of damage previously observed. The repair was not in the 2026 budget because the extent of damage was unknown; staff said the budget will be revised to accommodate the expense.
Councilor Holland moved approval and Councilor Lieber seconded. The council approved the contract authorization by voice vote.
City staff said the restroom supports campground users, playground visitors, softball-field users and other adjacent park users and that repairs are intended to return the facility to safe, year-round service.
The contract will proceed, and staff will coordinate the work to have the facility open for the next camping season.
City staff said the restroom was renovated in 2015 and reopened in 2024 after a phased project funded in part with Land and Water Conservation Fund grant money and city budget allocations. Over the past two years staff observed vandalism that damaged the floor and, during the summer, discovered numerous weak spots and evidence of unrepairable water damage to the subfloor.
"Structurally, staff recommends that this restroom facility should not be reopened to the public until the damage is repaired," a staff presenter said. AMS Building (a local contractor) inspected the facility and provided a cost estimate included in the council packet of roughly $34,163.
Staff recommended replacing the tile floor with a poured concrete basin with rebar to improve durability and resistance to the kinds of damage previously observed. The repair was not in the 2026 budget because the extent of damage was unknown; staff said the budget will be revised to accommodate the expense.
Councilor Holland moved approval and Councilor Lieber seconded. The council approved the contract authorization by voice vote.
City staff said the restroom supports campground users, playground visitors, softball-field users and other adjacent park users and that repairs are intended to return the facility to safe, year-round service.
The contract will proceed, and staff will coordinate the work to have the facility open for the next camping season.
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