Perry Park Restrooms & Gatehouse Ribbon-Cutting

The new Perry Park restrooms and gatehouse facility has been completed as an added feature and convenience for Wednesday night picnics, family playground time, relaxing along Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile with a good book, and playing pickleball or tennis. There will be a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m.

The project was kicked off by a generous family donation by Curt and Ann Johnson, Dan and Linda Johnson and several other generous Lakeside donors. Curt and Ann soon saw the need for restroom facilities in Perry Park after they built a new cottage at 722 East Second Street. The lack of bathrooms was a deterrent to young families wanting to enjoy the new playground facilities or attend the Wednesday night picnics. The closest public restroom was a long walk to the shuffleboard courts in Bettinger Park.

The Johnsons met with Jim Switzer, Director of Historic Preservation & Design Review & Municipal Projects to explore possibilities. Soon, they were meeting with Lakesider and architect David Hottenroth in the living room of Dottie McDowell, neighbor to the East Second Street Gate, to discuss the future view she could have out her living room window if the old gatehouse and Port O Potty were removed.

Hottenroth donated his time in creating the original renderings and building plans. Charles Allen, Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO, agreed that the project could move forward in the best interest of improving Lakeside for homeowners and guests. The Historic Preservation & Design Review Board approved the design, and the Municipal Services Committee of the Lakeside Board granted approval for land usage.

In addition to the generosity of several Lakeside donors:

• Strecker Remodeling & Construction provided labor at cost to frame, plumb and for final finishes.

• Carter Lumber in Port Clinton donated the siding and gave discounts on the trim.

• Adkins Fence provided a discount for the new security fence.

• Ty Trumball and his maintenance crew handled gates, buried ductwork and more.

• Vern Hartenburg and the grounds crew designed and installed landscaping.

• Architect John Feick added the final construction set drawings and Ohio commercial architect stamp.

• Jim Switzer donated time as a general contractor.