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Renovation Work at Big Creek State Park Will Mean Temporary Restrooms This Summer
DES MOINES - Modern restrooms on the east side of Big Creek State Park near Polk City are expected to be closed throughout the summer while a major sewer renovation project is completed. "This is a project we have been planning for quite some time, but due to recent conditions, we couldn't put it off any longer. We really need to get this work done now," said DNR State Parks Bureau Chief Kevin Szcodronski. The problem was occurring because older pipelines in the park were being infiltrated by groundwater causing the lagoon to fill up too quickly and running the risk that it could overflow. "The problem was severe enough as we started to open the park up this spring that we realize we simply can't afford to hold off on the project any longer," Szcodronski said. All modern restrooms on the east side of the lake will be closed for the summer. This includes restrooms located at open picnic shelters A through H and beach shelters 1 through 3. Reservations will not be accepted for these shelters but they will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Port-a-potties will be brought in for the beach and beach shelters only. Big Creek Marina, the park's concession operation, will not be impacted by the project. The project does not affect any facilities on the west side of the lake. The two shelters on the west side of the lake "Inland Cat" and Jollyboat" will remain available for reservations. Szcodronski said state I-JOBS funding will be used to complete the work this summer. "We were fortunate that the I-JOBS funding was available for this project because we have a system that was beyond patching up anymore. The funding allows us to get this work done now and provide a long-term solution to the problems we have been experiencing with the aging infrastructure at Big Creek," Szcodronski said. Iowa State Parks is slated to receive $8.5 million in I-JOBS funding within the next year and the investment will be noticeable throughout the entire park system. The funding will be used for 113 infrastructure projects in 42 state parks located in 36 different counties. Upgrading health and safety issues such as campground electrical upgrades, wastewater and water treatment projects will use 60 percent of the funding. Other types of projects include historic restoration, new cabins, restrooms, shower buildings, trail connections to communities and an ultimate goal of creating year-round interpretive opportunities in every park. "We regret any inconvenience this may cause by the repairs are necessary and must be completed as soon as possible," says Greg Van Fosson, District Supervisor.
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