In one of the final acts of the current administration, Weirton Council on Monday approved an allotment of $350,000 to put toward completion of a new restroom facility at Marland Heights Park, with options to also fund improvements at the Brookline Street playground and possibly some other projects if any money is remaining.

While it is a far cry from addressing every need the Weirton Park Board has cited in recent years, it will, at least, address a major one which we hope will serve as a jumping-off point for the next administration.

The Margaret Manson Weir Pool was demolished two years ago, leaving Marland Heights Park with no permanent restroom facilities. Portable restrooms have been available since then, with officials noting the park’s shelters as having the highest use of any recreation site in the city.

The restroom project as it stands is fairly basic, especially compared to the original plan which involved construction of an all-season shelter facility, but at least it can move forward.

Council previously set aside a combined $200,000 – with $150,000 for the restroom and $50,000 for infrastructure improvements – but bids came in at more than $500,000.

A major component of city government is to ensure systems such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, utility services, garbage collection, and recreation are available for residents and businesses.

The investments in Weirton’s parks have improved in the last couple of years, although much work remains. Hopefully, that progress is able to continue as new leadership steps into the picture.