West Des Moines considers $700K bathroom near Jamie Hurd Amphitheater

State of play: WDM's Parks and Recreation department is requesting $700,000 for a bathroom as part of its upcoming capital improvements budget, but one council member says the price is too high, likening it to the Taj Mahal during a February council meeting.

• "I still find it hard to believe that it's $700,000 to build four walls, a roof, flush toilets and sinks," councilmember Kevin Trevillyan tells Axios.

What they're saying: Unlike a prefabricated city park bathroom, WDM Parks and Rec Director Ryan Penning says the cost reflects a custom design that fits in with the rest of the city campus, including the library, City Hall and the Learning Resource Center.

• "We don't want to put in something that's a sore thumb, that doesn't look like it fits," Penning tells Axios.

Zoom in: At the moment, event organizers rent porta-potties, and permanent bathrooms are the most requested item, according to staff. The pond near the amphitheater is also popular with trail users who could use it, considering that 130,000 people passed by last year.

• The project will also upgrade the electrical system in the area to help bring more food trucks.

What's next: City staff believe they can also get $250,000-$350,000 in donations to help with costs.

• Council will consider the budget in April.