Redeveloped park restroom projects make a big difference when a community gives an older park a fresh start. At Sunny Square Park in New Brighton, Minnesota, the city completed a major redevelopment that added new play areas, better walking routes, and a new building that solves a simple but important need: comfortable, reliable restrooms with a shaded place to gather. The new restroom and picnic shelter includes two single-user restrooms, a mechanical room, and a timber roof extension that creates a covered picnic area.
Sunny Square Park and the City of New Brighton
New Brighton is a community in Ramsey County, near Minneapolis and St. Paul. The city is known for its parks and trails, and it continues to invest in public spaces that support everyday use as well as group activities. That long-term commitment shows up in planning efforts like the city’s 2040 Park and Trail System Master Plan, created with community input and clear recommendations for improvements across the park system.
Project Overview: A 7.5-Acre Park Redevelopment
Sunny Square Park became one of the first projects completed from the master plan. The goal was to update key amenities and make the park easier to use for families, walkers, and local events. The 7.5-acre redevelopment included a new playground, updated walking paths, improved green space, and a renovated sports field. The field improvements included a new backstop and new bench canopies, and the parking area was expanded to add more spaces.
Restroom and Picnic Shelter: Built for Comfort and Daily Use
The centerpiece building at Sunny Square Park combines two restrooms with a covered picnic shelter. The layout includes two single-user, unisex restrooms and a dedicated mechanical room to support building systems. A timber truss roof extension creates a shaded gathering space that works well for picnics, birthday parties, and small community meetups. The building is also situated near the parking lot and close to the walking trails, playground, open lawn areas, and sports field, so it is easy to find when the park is busy.
Building Features and Architectural Details
The restroom and shade shelter was designed and supplied by Romtec to match the park setting while holding up to year-round use. Key features include a metal roof, gable windows, and a timber truss roof extension that visually ties the shelter to the restroom building. Exterior finishes include fiber cement lap siding installed over an 8-inch by 16-inch smooth-face reinforced concrete masonry wall with mortar joints, plus stone veneer accents for a durable, high-end look. Inside, the building includes practical details like a stainless steel countertop to support day-to-day cleaning and maintenance.
Fast Turnaround Challenge and How the Team Delivered
The project team had a tight timeline. The building needed to be ready before winter conditions could slow down site work. Romtec worked directly with the City of New Brighton and the project designer to confirm design requirements early and keep decisions moving. Romtec project management also streamlined kit production and logistics so the building package could arrive as early as possible, helping the contractor stay on schedule.
Project Partners and Cooperative Purchasing
The park redevelopment was led by WSB, a design and consulting firm based in Golden Valley, Minnesota. The general contractor was Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which installed the building. The City of New Brighton purchased the building through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement, which helps public agencies buy through a competitively awarded contract and simplify the purchasing process.
Pavilion Shade Shelter Benefits for Redeveloped Parks
• Create a central gathering spot: A restroom building with a covered pavilion can become a hub for park and community events.
• Support busy days and special events: Restrooms sized for the park help meet demand during sporting events, birthday parties, and seasonal programs.
• Help visitors get out of the elements: Shaded shelter space gives people a place to cool down in the sun or stay dry during light rain.
• Add flexible rooms when needed: Similar buildings can include a storage room, shower rooms for a spray pad, or a concession area to support field use.
• Blend into the surroundings: Finishes like stone veneer and timber roof features can complement nearby buildings and natural landscapes.
Conclusion
Sunny Square Park shows how a well-planned redevelopment can improve the day-to-day park experience. By combining two single-user restrooms with a covered picnic shelter, the City of New Brighton added comfort, convenience, and a natural meeting place in one durable structure. Romtec was proud to design and supply a building that supports the city’s larger park goals and fits the scenic setting. If your community is planning a park upgrade, Romtec can help design a restroom and pavilion that matches your site, your schedule, and the way your park is used.