March 29, 2024

Historic Maytag Park buildings discussed by board

The future of historic Maytag Park buildings located in the southeast corner of the park were discussed at the Newton Park Board meeting Wednesday.

The two former bathrooms, one for men and one for women, have not been operational for 30 or more years and have become a location for vandalism.

“Right now they are just boarded up, they get kicked in sometimes, vandalized,” said Park Department Administrative Superintendent Nathan Unsworth.

The building to the east obtained asbestos through the years and will be cleaned out in the coming weeks. After the work is complete, there are several options for the existing buildings. In their current state, the bathrooms are blocked and boarded up, not accessible to the public. Cement blocks were placed in the openings to keep people out, but even those were bashed in and had to be boarded up, Unsworth said.

One option is to fill in the existing pits left from the restroom facilities and open up the door and windows for people to view, Unsworth said, although that could mean more vandalism, since it is tucked back in the far corner of the park.

Another option is to place plexiglass in the openings, but once again the likelihood of vandalism is high since cement blocks where not enough to deter forced entrance.

“It would be very labor intensive to try to fill the pits with sand because you can’t really get any equipment in there. Each of them have the columns in the front and you can’t really get a skid steer really close to that,” said Director of Public Works Keith Laube.

Unsworth contacted the state historical society for its suggestions and options, including tearing down the structures. As a part of Maytag Park, which was designated a historic place in 2013, the bathrooms are an important piece of the past and demolition is not recommended. The state historical society hoped the buildings could possibly be repurposed and kept on the grounds, as they are contributing historical buildings in the district, Unsworth said.

Following the completion of the asbestos removal, the city and board will continue looking at options for the bathrooms that will best serve the park and the community.

In other business:

• Jim Klier was introduced as the newest member to the Park Board.

• Fourth of July celebration plans were discussed including funds for the fireworks and entertainment during the event.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com