RIVERDALE PARK PUBLIC WASHROOMS + CHANGE ROOMS
 

Spring of 2015 saw the Rotary Club of Alliston well underway in the fund raising and planning of a new splashpad to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the club. Located in Riverdale Park, the splashpad is across the street from the hugely successful Adventure Playground, the Rotary Club’s 50^th anniversary project. At the last minute, the Town asked the Rotary Club to include the redesign and rebuilding of the dilapidated existing park public washrooms as an extension of the splashpad development.

The club contacted 3 stones architecture + design who have a long history of donating services for community enrichment and also with the club. Analysis quickly revealed the need for public washrooms, public change rooms, mechanical support and sunshade elements for spectators. The Town also has very specific performance criteria for the building and system for long-term durability, ease of maintenance and low energy consumption. All this within a very tight budget.

3 stones architecture + design developed two designs with three building components; one for the washrooms, one for the change rooms and each version was linked by a sunshade element. The two very different approaches created uniquely different relationships between the building form, the splashpad and the rest of the park. Both designs allow for significant natural day lighting and open airy interiors. The building exteriors provided a canvas for local youth to create public art. The designs create inviting and welcoming park entry points and engage the surrounding park area. Both designs were intended to be park landmarks and meeting place for park users. These design studies became the foundation for the final design, which the Rotary Club ultimately developed for itself and constructed.