TDC bathrooms at Grayton Beach???

I wonder if a person with a handicap could get arrested for pooping on the handicapped access? That might get someone's attention at the TDC.

I'm pretty sure that would fall under public nudity. As was stated above the bathrooms are in the design and planning phase and should be built next year. Rome wasn't built in a day.

NDY,
I like the idea of the composting potty, but trust me, that thing is not odorless. Went in there last Friday and .

It's been odorless everytime I have been in there, but it has been a while. Maybe something is not working right?

just looked at the official TDC map, linked above, and notice that while it doesn't list restrooms at Grayton, it does list handicapped access, restrooms, etc, at the Inlet Beach Access. Again, if you provide restrooms for the public, are they not required to be handicapped accessible?

I don't know the answer to this. It should be in the ADA rules, which I understand are complicated. Maybe there is an exception for temporary toilets. But that missing common sense you referred to above might suggest that until the permanent facilites are built, a handicapped accessible porta potty could be provided, do you think?

It's been odorless everytime I have been in there, but it has been a while. Maybe something is not working right?

Could be, or perhaps the problem wasn't the toilet itself, but possibly cleanliness of the building.
I've probably said enough on this topic. TMI

The porta potty at Deer Lake State Park is no ordinary stinky potty - it is a Clivus odorless, solar-powered, waterless composting toilet.
http://www.clivusmultrum.com/

It really is odorless. Topsail has one of these too, at the end of the road from the old entrance on Hwy 98.

At Deer Lake, there is a designated handicapped parking place and a little boardwalk up to the potty, which is oversized. I believe it is handicap accessible - the state parks are usually good about complying. Might be a little awkward to negotiate the door though.

The Clivus is pricey but I bet the TDC still could have bought quite a few with the money they spent on the big blue signs.
The best thing about them is no sewer hookup is necessary, no electricity is necessary and no water is necessary, although it would be nice to have a shower and a spigot for handwashing. Not essential, though.

Good to know about the potty at Deer Lake. I'll make it my mission to try it out when I'm there next time - that's such an awesome beach (but don't tell anyone...).

As was stated above the bathrooms are in the design and planning phase and should be built next year. Rome wasn't built in a day.

How would you like to "hold it" for a year? Rome was not built in a day, 'tis true. However, that portajohn was delivered in only a few minutes, and they could easily have a handicapped accessible portajohn delivered very quickly. Want to find out just how quickly? Contact the govt and, and you will see people jumping to get the right toilet installed.


What's the difference between a standard Wheelchair Accessible Restroom and an ADA Compliant Wheelchair Restroom? Fully ADA compliant restrooms are larger than wheelchair accessible models and have slightly different placement of different parts. In many situations the wheelchair accessible restrooms will meet the needs of your guests. If your event requires restrooms that meet the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, we can supply them.




With so much info on the ADA website, I decided to make a phone call. The person with whom I spoke said that if the public facility provides a restroom for the public, it has to be ADA compliant. She said that includes temporary restrooms. They would need an ADA compliant portajohn.

For answers to additional questions, call the ADA Information Line 800-514-0301 (voice)

Want to find out just how quickly? Contact the govt and, and you will see people jumping to get the right toilet installed.

With so much info on the ADA website, I decided to make a phone call. The person with whom I spoke said that if the public facility provides a restroom for the public, it has to be ADA compliant. She said that includes temporary restrooms. They would need an ADA compliant portajohn.

You mention contacting the gov't. Have you called the TDC or just posted online? The reason I ask is that I did contact the TDC and they expect to have one out there today.

See how quick that was? The right people can make things happen. Now if we could just get them to think about the basics on their own, we'd be in good shape.

See how quick that was? The right people can make things happen.

And the right people can also let people know when they think something should be fixed, instead of going on the attack. Honest mistakes are still made and sometimes a little direct communication is better than posting on a message board IMO.;-)

In case any other issues come up regarding beach accesses or maintenance, you can always feel free to call Dave Sell, TDC Beach Maintenance Manager at (850) 267-1216 or his email at dsell@beachesofsouthwalton.com. That's what I do.

As for your edited comment, why don't you come to the TDC's Beach Management Committee and learn about all the changes that have been made to make TDC facilities more ADA accessible. One that you may not realize that was heartily received was the addition of platforms at the top of accesses in locations where you can't get down to the beach. This was a TDC idea and it allows for someone in a wheelchair to pull over to the side and enjoy the beach from the top of the dune. Like I said, honest mistakes are made, but I do know from experience that the TDC works hard on ADA issues.

Sorry, but after all of the TDC's latest reactions to public concerns, I felt the need to pick on them some more.

Mistakes do happen, but that is why we pay professionals to run things. Professionals are paid to catch the mistakes, and correct the issues. A simple inspection of the restroom facility should jump out as not being ADA compliant, especially if the TDC has been focused on ADA compliance.

One that you may not realize that was heartily received was the addition of platforms at the top of accesses in locations where you can't get down to the beach. This was a TDC idea and it allows for someone in a wheelchair to pull over to the side and enjoy the beach from the top of the dune.

Are you sure about this? I really thought it was Don Crim's idea, God Rest His Soul.

Are you sure about this? I really thought it was Don Crim's idea, God Rest His Soul.

Maybe I should have been more clear in my phrasing to say the TDC Beach Management Committee as that is who I was inviting SJ to join in a meeting in the sentence before the quote. If you look back in my posts, I also mentioned that there were members of the ADA committee who also participated in TDC committees. One of which was Don Crimm, another was/is Martha Heller. In this case, I would actually give the credit for the spot at the top to Martha Heller as it was the discussion started by her in regards to Blue Mountain that led to the top platforms.

Don and Martha were responsible for shining the light on issues throughout Walton County that could be done to make it more accessible. They attended numerous meetings and even set up a press conference to show how accessible the Santa Clara/Bramble Grove Access was. Currently, Jerry Armstrong attends meetings for the County and I am hopeful that Martha will continue to attend them also.

On another note, I just got an email from Dave Sell at the TDC that the restroom has been ordered and it will be installed on Wednesday.

How would you like to "hold it" for a year? Rome was not built in a day, 'tis true. However, that portajohn was delivered in only a few minutes, and they could easily have a handicapped accessible portajohn delivered very quickly. Want to find out just how quickly? Contact the govt and, and you will see people jumping to get the right toilet installed.

I wasn't saying that, I was simply pointing out the plan was in the works.

Way to go BS2 for the call.

I am the guilty one from The Sun that created the map of beach accesses. Please forgive me... I've lived in Walton County since 1992 and I know the only restroom any where near the Grayton access is The Red Bar... Oops! It was difficult enough trying to create a map that was reasonable in reality for people unfamiliar to the area. If you look at what the TDC offers as far as beach access on their map, you would think that there were 50+ places to go, when, in fact, we all know this is not true, especially since once you get down to the beach, many have "PRIVATE PROPERTY" signs. So.... please forgive my typo. My objective for positive reference material was apparently unsuccessful.

I am the guilty one from The Sun that created the map of beach accesses. Please forgive me... I've lived in Walton County since 1992 and I know the only restroom any where near the Grayton access is The Red Bar... Oops! It was difficult enough trying to create a map that was reasonable in reality for people unfamiliar to the area. If you look at what the TDC offers as far as beach access on their map, you would think that there were 50+ places to go, when, in fact, we all know this is not true, especially since once you get down to the beach, many have "PRIVATE PROPERTY" signs. So.... please forgive my typo. My objective for positive reference material was apparently unsuccessful.

Keep up the hard work....and try again. It's a lot of info. Better yet...do a poll of the locals....

I am the guilty one from The Sun that created the map of beach accesses. Please forgive me... I've lived in Walton County since 1992 and I know the only restroom any where near the Grayton access is The Red Bar... Oops! It was difficult enough trying to create a map that was reasonable in reality for people unfamiliar to the area. If you look at what the TDC offers as far as beach access on their map, you would think that there were 50+ places to go, when, in fact, we all know this is not true, especially since once you get down to the beach, many have "PRIVATE PROPERTY" signs. So.... please forgive my typo. My objective for positive reference material was apparently unsuccessful.

Finally, someone with guts to admit their mistake. Not a problem. Maybe you were trying to get them to make some restrooms at Grayton. They certainly are needed. With the TDC's recent actions, I was just expecting it to be another TDC oops. One would think that, in addition to the full TDC map with future planned sites and accesses, the TDC would have a map where people could actually use the access, maybe showing only the accesses with parking and restrooms. It would be easy enough to create and make available for others.

I am the guilty one from The Sun that created the map of beach accesses. Please forgive me... I've lived in Walton County since 1992 and I know the only restroom any where near the Grayton access is The Red Bar... Oops! It was difficult enough trying to create a map that was reasonable in reality for people unfamiliar to the area. If you look at what the TDC offers as far as beach access on their map, you would think that there were 50+ places to go, when, in fact, we all know this is not true, especially since once you get down to the beach, many have "PRIVATE PROPERTY" signs. So.... please forgive my typo. My objective for positive reference material was apparently unsuccessful.

Kudo's for this.

Finally, someone with guts to admit their mistake. Not a problem. Maybe you were trying to get them to make some restrooms at Grayton. They certainly are needed. With the TDC's recent actions, I was just expecting it to be another TDC oops. One would think that, in addition to the full TDC map with future planned sites and accesses, the TDC would have a map where people could actually use the access, maybe showing only the accesses with parking and restrooms. It would be easy enough to create and make available for others.

Two words, flood zone! Actually there is not any public land in that area near the beach that is not subject to a Cat 1/2 hurricane unless you build them as high up in the sky as the two big condos beside the boardwalk. I can hear the complaints now about the TDC skyscraper bathroom facility.

By the way, I never thought of you to push the restriction of public access to the beach since you continue to say that all beaches are open to the public. Their are such things as neighborhood accesses that people who live near them can walk to and don't need parking and then regional accesses with parking. Last I checked they are clearly marked on the same map that I posted yesterday. As for a map of only regional accesses have you asked the TDC if they have such thing or is this just another online posting with no backup. FYI, the map you want does exist in the Travel Guide for sure and probably other places too, i honestly don't know.

I am guessing this is the time for me to make my exit from here like Indigo Jill did from "The Beach" discussion as the attack mentality is ugly over here too. Good luck to all.

restroom on pilings? I guess you would also have to install an elevator. You are right -- probably not something people would want. I can hear the complaints too.

I am not for restriction of public accesses. Floridiandreams, creator of that map in the Walton Sun said, "It was difficult enough trying to create a map that was reasonable in reality for people unfamiliar to the area." By that statement, I was understanding that he or she wasn't satisfied with the very busy map, available at the TDC, so he or she felt the need to create one with much less confusion, and that, and for accuracy, are the only reasons why I suggested having an abbreviated map created by the TDC of the full-facility accesses. (I don't encourage being and pooping in the places where I sit and swim.)