South Whitehall commissioners have given the go ahead to township staff to purchase replacement restrooms at Covered Bridge Park.

Parks and Recreation Manager Mike Kukitz reported during the Jan. 15 board meeting the public frequently complained toilets were undersized, often malfunctioned, had a bad odor, and were not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The outdated restrooms were demolished in fall 2019.

Kukitz said after reviewing several options, staff chose the Cedar Forests Parkaire Activity Center at a cost of $170,000.

He said the outside of the building will be attractive, treated cedar siding. The interior will have a family restroom in the center with a men’s room and women’s room on each side.

The facility will be ADA compliant.

Public works staff will provide assistance in various aspects of the construction process.

Kukitz said with the installation of the Jordan Creek Greenway and a new destination playground coming in 2020, the restrooms will be heavily used by visitors at Covered Bridge Park.

In other business, the board approved the purchase of a Freightliner dump truck for $191,660.

Maintenance Superintendent Herb Bender reported the truck will be used for snow plowing and salting, in addition to hauling blacktop, stones and ground.

“It’s replacing a truck that did not pass inspection,” Bender said.

Commissioners also approved purchase of a water and sewer utility truck for $62,600.

This truck will be used for water station repairs, as well as daily checks on water leaks, sewer blocks, and other maintenance responses.

Commissioners also approved purchase of a utility locator vehicle at a cost of $43,000.

Superintendent of Public Works Jerry Charvala said the truck is needed due to the increased number of PA One calls and new Public Utility Commission regulations.

“PA One calls take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours based on the complexity,” Charvala explained.