By VICKIE FEE

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Marquette city workers demolished a restroom at Presque Isle Park between the playground and amphitheater Tuesday.

Jon Swenson, Marquette director of community services, said the demolition was part of ongoing work on a master plan for the park. Portable toilets have been installed to replace the restroom for the time being. However, if another restroom is constructed, it will not be in the same location according to Swenson.

“Two things I’d say, is we would not build a restroom where kids would have to cross the road to reach it,” he said. “It had reached the end of its useful life. It has an inverted roof that collected water and debris, and the septic had to be pumped twice a year.

“It was also very shady in that area and prone to mold. Some of the fixtures, which were mounted to the walls, were broken and could not be replaced.”

Nearby restrooms include one at Moosewood Nature Center, one at the boat launch, and another at the pavilion that houses a kitchen and fireplace.

The restroom that was demolished was located near the amphitheater, which is also set to be replaced. The ampitheater, however, be constructed in the same general area.

Swenson said that restroom facilities are not included in the construction plans for the new amphitheater, but will be included in the conversations for the master plan of the park.

Some trees were also taken down along the roadway. Swenson said that interior trees in the park are allowed to come down naturally. But trees along the roads are cleared out when they become a hazard or intrude into areas used for specific purposes.

Swenson encourages area residents who have interest in the park master plan to attend public meetings of the Presque Isle Park Advisory Committee this summer, where they can make comments.

The committee normally holds meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Lakeview Arena. The August meeting will be held at the Presque Isle Pavilion.

Vickie Fee can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. Her email address is vfee@miningjournal.net