Wrightwood’s aging public restrooms, long overdue for an upgrade, are finally getting a major renovation thanks to a $350,000 grant from San Bernardino County. The grant, secured by the Wrightwood Community Services District (WCSD), will fund a significant expansion and refurbishment of the village’s public restroom facilities, providing much-needed improvements.
The $350,000 grant was awarded as part of San Bernardino County’s Discretionary Fund Priorities Program, which supports local infrastructure projects. To qualify for the grant, WCSD must provide a 25% match, totaling $87,500, bringing the total budget to approximately $437,500. Tamie Keen, WCSD’s general manager, and her staff played a pivotal role in securing the grant despite the district’s limited experience with such applications. Keen is excited about the project and the district’s ability to secure additional funding in the future, noting that this success paves the way for more community improvement efforts.
The grant will be used to renovate the existing restroom and convert a nearby building, expanding the restroom facilities by 400 square feet. The expansion will increase the number of toilets and urinals and include the installation of insulation, heating, and an upgraded exhaust system, all in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These improvements address the overcrowding and system overload during peak times. The project is currently in the planning phase. WCSD is finalizing design plans, with percolation tests planned to determine if the existing wastewater drainage system is adequate. The district is also choosing between two architects to develop the necessary drawings and conduct a topographical survey before moving on to the design and bidding phases.
The need for these improvements has been pressing, particularly during winter when Wrightwood is inundated by large crowds of snow players and skiers, especially after a storm drops fresh snow. The existing public restrooms have struggled to handle the sudden surge in use, often becoming overwhelmed and resulting in unsanitary conditions and costly repairs for the district. In the past, the situation has become so dire that the WCSD and local business owners have been forced to rent portable restrooms and additional trash dumpsters to manage the massive influx of visitors. Despite these efforts, the facilities have still fallen short, leading to troubling incidents where some visitors have resorted to relieving themselves or leaving waste, such as diapers, on private properties along Highway 2 and residential streets. Such issues have highlighted the need for better public amenities in the village.
The community has responded positively to the planned improvements. Residents and business owners have long awaited these upgrades as the bathroom issue has persisted season after season. The new facilities are expected to provide greater convenience and accessibility and relieve strain on individual business restrooms in the village. Wrightwood resident Bruce LeClair, a key supporter of the project, is directly assisting with its development. Bruce has been working to find a solution to the village’s septic issues long before this grant became available and was the perfect person to bring in on the project. He, along with other residents, believes the expansion will greatly benefit the community by improving sanitation and accommodating the influx of visitors during community-wide events.
Looking ahead, the WCSD hopes that introducing an innovative micro-septic system as part of the restroom expansion could serve as a pilot program for broader infrastructure improvements in Wrightwood. This system features a multi-chamber tank that treats waste to a level suitable for irrigation or other non-potable uses. If successful, the micro-septic system could replace other aging septic systems downtown, potentially attracting additional state and federal funding for further community improvements. Keen is optimistic that the project’s success will position Wrightwood to receive more grants, using the micro-septic system as a model for future developments within the district.
As the WCSD moves forward with the restroom expansion, the project reflects ongoing efforts to improve public amenities in Wrightwood. Residents can stay informed about the project’s progress by attending WCSD meetings or visiting the district’s official website for updates at wrightwoodcsd.org. Board Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm in the Wrightwood Community Services Building at 1275 Hwy 2.
