Romtec designed and supplied the ADA restroom facility at Uncas Leap Heritage Park in Norwich, Connecticut. This modern restroom building improves accessibility for all visitors while preserving the park’s historical charm. By blending functionality with cultural heritage, the new accessible restroom facility ensures that everyone can enjoy this culturally significant landmark safely and conveniently.
Uncas Leap Heritage Park
Uncas Leap Heritage Park is located on Yantic Street in Norwich, Connecticut, within the historic Yantic Falls District in New London County. Just minutes from Downtown Norwich and easily accessed via I-395, Route 2, and Route 32, the park sits along the scenic Yantic River, known for its dramatic gorge and waterfall.
The site is centrally positioned for visitors traveling from nearby communities such as Taftville, Greeneville, Montville, Preston, and Lisbon. It’s also close to regional attractions, including Norwich Harbor, Mohegan Park, and Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville.
As part of the Walk Norwich Trail System, the park connects to the Heritage Trail and Uncas Leap Trail, offering easy access to other historic and recreational destinations across Norwich. Its riverfront setting and proximity to major routes make it a key cultural and outdoor attraction in southeastern Connecticut.
ADA Restroom Facility Specifications
The restroom facility was engineered with durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetics in mind. Key features include:
• Structure: The building is constructed of concrete blocks with cedar board and batten siding over insulation for strength and style.
• Roof: A metal standing seam roof with a resawn timber truss extension adds a rustic look while providing weather resistance.
• Interior: Epoxy-painted CMU walls, sanitary tile cove base, and sealed concrete floors make cleaning easy and maintain a polished experience.
• Fixtures: Stainless steel toilets and lavatories, sensor-activated flush valves, and vandal-resistant accessories ensure reliability and safety.
• Electrical: LED lighting with motion sensors, wall heaters in the mechanical room, and exhaust fans to improve comfort and energy efficiency.
Balancing Structure and Functionality
The challenge was to create an accessible restroom facility that met all ADA requirements while respecting the historical and cultural significance of Uncas Leap Heritage Park. Additionally, the building needed to withstand seasonal conditions, including snow and frost. The final result achieves both durability and visual cohesion.
Romtec Creates a Custom Solution
Romtec developed a pre-engineered public restroom building tailored to the site’s environmental, cultural, and societal needs. The design incorporated durable materials, historical styling, and ADA accessibility. The building was engineered for local wind, snow loads, and frost depth, ensuring long-term performance. By combining modern construction with traditional aesthetics, Romtec delivered a solution that enhances the visitor experience without compromising the park’s heritage.
Local Partners to Make ADA Restroom Facility a Reality
This project was a collaborative effort between several organizations:
• Romtec designed the restroom building and supplied the materials.
• City of Norwich is the owner of the building and oversaw the development of the project.
• SLR Consulting provided design and sustainability guidance.
• Wiese Construction handled installation and general contracting.
Together, these partners created a facility that meets community needs and preserves historical integrity of Uncas Leap Heritage Park.
Conclusion
The new ADA restroom facility at Uncas Leap Heritage Park successfully merges functionality, accessibility, and historical aesthetics. This project enhances visitor experience and supports the park’s role as a cultural and recreational destination.