LAMORINDA WEEKLY | It's a bird, it's a plane . it's a restroom!


Moraga Commons Park takes delivery of new restroom facility. Photo Vera Kochan

The old restroom at Moraga Commons Park was about to celebrate its 50th Anniversary along with the town when it was demolished in mid-December to make way for a brand new, pre-fabricated facility with four Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) all-gender restrooms and two drinking fountains along with water bottle filling stations.

In 2018, the Moraga Community Foundation (MCF) proposed orchestrating a fundraising project with the purpose of replacing the old restrooms and worked with the town toward the installation of a new one. Also that year, the Park and Recreation Commission recommended the ADA design be incorporated into any future facility.

The Town Council's 2022 authorization of $324,320 for the purchase of the restroom structure from Public Restroom Company, whose motto is "Building Better Places To Go," included shipping, crane service, and onsite construction coordination from the manufacturer that would work with the town's hired contractor, McNabb Construction. McNabb's fees came to $165,319 which included demolition and installation.

MCF's contribution toward the project came to $304,320. The Parks and Recreation Department also wishes to acknowledge the Moraga Park Foundation, Joan Bruzzone, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and other substantial donors. Additional thanks extend to former Parks and Recreation Director Breyana Brandt and former Town Manager Cynthia Battenberg.

The initial installation was scheduled for Dec. 19, but inclement weather delayed the truck convoy from Nevada by a day. Causing a minor traffic jam at the intersection of St. Mary's Road and Moraga Road on the afternoon of Dec. 20, the restroom was delivered in two parts for placement via a massive crane.

"We're really excited about how this process has quickly moved once all of the permits were received," stated Parks and Recreation Director Mackenzie Brady. She also praised the teamwork involving the finance department, Central San, PG&E, the town staff, Public Restroom Company and McNabb Construction.

"MCF is ecstatic that we have been able to complete this project for the benefit of the community," stated past-president Dave Trotter.

According to Brady, before the restrooms become fully functional, the sewer lines and electrical components need to be completed. "We thank the town's residents for their patience."