NAPA, CA — The Napa City Council has approved a contract to replace the temporary portable restrooms currently serving Alston Park with new permanent facilities. The decision was made at a meeting on Tuesday, where the council voted to award the contract for the project to Dutch Contracting Inc., a company based in El Dorado Hills. The total cost of the project is estimated at $534,500, which includes construction, contingency funds, and additional costs for management, materials testing, and staff time.

The breakdown of the budget includes $432,000 for the construction of the restrooms, a $43,000 contingency for unexpected conditions, $45,000 for construction management and inspection by a consultant, and $7,500 for materials testing. Additionally, $7,000 has been allocated for staff time from the city’s public works department.

The new permanent restrooms will be connected to sewer and water utilities, addressing health and safety concerns associated with the current temporary units, which have been insufficient to handle the growing number of visitors to the park. According to the city’s staff report, Alston Park attracts nearly 100,000 visitors annually, making it the second-most visited of Napa’s 54 parks.

In addition to the restroom improvements, the project will also include upgrades to the park’s infrastructure. The plans call for ADA-compliant access to the restroom area, as well as repaving of the parking lot and enhancements to natural trails that lead up to the larger portions of the park.

Alston Park, a 157-acre open space, has become an increasingly popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the new amenities are expected to make the park more accessible and enjoyable for all visitors. The project is set to begin in the coming months and is expected to be completed in time for peak use season.