Although the city does not have all the funds in hand, city commissioners unanimously approved plans for public restrooms to be located at Pace Park downtown.

The board of commissioners met Monday, Sept. 14 and approved preliminary drawings done by architect John Gardner.

City Administrator Jonathan Cannon said the drawings include a separate men’s and women’s restrooms with sinks. Plans are for three stalls and a changing station in the women’s and two stalls, two urinals and a changing station in the men’s. The facility also has plans for a utility closet. One of the stalls in both the men’s and women’s restrooms will be ADA compliant.

Cannon said the total square footage of the restroom is designed at 336 square feet and based on costs of $100-$150 per square foot, the total cost is estimated at between $33,600-$50,400.

The city plans to raise the money through donations and possible grants to construct the facility.

The city authorized Gardner, who is volunteering his services to the city, to proceed with construction drawings for the facility.

Commissioners did decide to change the roofline on the proposed structure from the plans. Commissioner Leon Morgan said the roof line needs to be changed in order to be as maintenance free as possible.

Saluda is currently creating Pace Park with plans for the public restroom facility to be located towards the rear of the property. Pace Park is being created in a city alleyway downtown.

The city is raising money to create the park by selling bricks as well as money going towards the restrooms from new festivals planned for this fall. So far, approximately 300 bricks have been installed, with approximately 100 more ordered.

The city is planning an upcoming antique/vintage show for September, a Fall/Harvest festival in October and a Railroad Day in November. Most of the money raised from the festivals will be donated towards the public restrooms.

Mayor Fred Baisden also said the city plans to apply for a grant to help fund the restrooms.

“Tangie (Morgan) and Terry (Baisden) are working hard to get money for these restrooms,” said commissioner Morgan.

Baisden also said the city has already received five toilets, two urinals and two baby changing tables with other equipment possibly to be donated.

Commissioners also on Monday approved the city placing a brick in Pace Park in memory of Henry Bright, who passed away last week. Bright served on several boards for the city, including the planning board, the board of adjustments, Saluda Senior Center, the Saluda Historic Committee and Saluda Historic Depot Committee among others for Polk County.

Anyone wishing to purchase a brick or donate to the public restroom building can contact city hall at 828-749-2581.