By Nikki Burkhamer
Examiner Contributor
A crowd gathered around a newly-built structure in the middle of West Liberty’s spacious and scenic Lions Park on Tuesday, Oct. 14, for an unlikely celebration hosted to showcase the opening of a special and new restroom facility.
The new building, that was constructed for the village and beyond, is completely handicapped accessible, a rare feature for parks in Ohio.
Now, Lions Park is the only recreational park to offer such details in the area between Dayton and Marysville. The new facility includes ramps, special door handles, extra spacing for wheelchair access, as well as modified toilets and sinks,
“This is a huge deal,” said Superintendent Krista Oldiges of the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “People with disabilities can access this restroom. It’s got a great ramp, and it has a universal changing table inside.
“That means an adult with disabilities can have personal care while out and about accessing our community.”
Oldiges talked about how The Lions Club of West Liberty aligned with the Logan County Board of DD so that the park had the proper facilities to serve those with disabilities and handicaps. Together, they were able to use an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant to help with the cost of the universal changing table and other necessary items needed for the project.
Many hands from the area came together to make the project lighter work.
Receiving much of the thanks and accolades at the ribbon-cutting was the main project manager, Wayne Yoder. The experienced general contractor helped to plan the project, along with the West Liberty Lions Club, for a few years.
Finally, they laid the foundation last fall, before winter set in. Then, when spring arrived, the plumbing was put in, along with the poured floors. So, even while working his own full-time job, Wayne used his extra time to make sure that the plans were brought to completion.
“I’m just really happy to have something like this for people to use rather than what was here,” Yoder said. “There are people out here all the time.
“It’s a lot more like what the Lions would like to offer, and the village too. It’s just amazing. People will be thrilled by it, though. I’m so glad to see it done. They’re going to be glad it’s here every time they use it.”
Multiple Lions Club members assisted with painting and various other jobs that were necessary to finish the venture, but one community member went way beyond the call of duty.
Shane Godwin, owner of Godwin General Contracting, constructed everything above the foundation. Amazingly, he never gave them a bill for the work or materials.
Godwin, who has called West Liberty his home for decades, explained, “My dad was a member of the Lions Club for 40 years, and he’s since passed on. So, we decided it was the right thing to do. It’s worth it.
“That’s what you want to do is give back, because you’ve got to figure… the community has given us a lot over the years.”
Throughout the event’s ribbon cutting ceremony, a sense of small town pride enveloped the crowd. A thriving Lions Club, once again joined with the community it served to create a much-needed bathroom facility for everyone… including those with disabilities.
“We did it,” proclaimed Judy Legge, the president of the West Liberty Lions Club, in front of the large audience. “A fully-handicap accessible bathroom that will be open 24/7 for many people- young and old. No more Port-A-Pots!
“A big thanks to all of the minds and hands that came together in the tradition of this great community to make it happen. But hey, that’s West Liberty. We do that all the time for everybody and anybody in need. We take care of it.”
Introduced with applause and excitement, Lions Park now has one of the most thoughtfully-planned and unique public restrooms around.
“The truth is, this restroom isn’t about plumbing or paperwork. It’s about people. It’s about making sure everyone young and old can enjoy this park with comfort and dignity,” Mayor Brad Hudson shared.
