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After securing funding of $70,000 in grants and donations from individuals and foundations, the Friends of Chrisholm funded the construction on a prototype “green” composting public restroom at the Chrisholm Historic Farmstead located just south of Trenton. This "off the grid" restroom is the first of its kind in Butler County and is designed to reduce waste and save water. Additionally, it is used as a teaching tool for visitors about living sustainably. Funding for this project was made possible by donations from the Middletown Community Foundation, The Fitton Family Foundation, Duke Energy, the Butler Rural Electric Community Connection, SHP Architects and the members and supporters of Friends of Chrisholm.
The 17 acre Chrisholm park is significant to the Amish Mennonite settlement in this area. Chrisholm has hosted many school field trips and bus tour groups as an important historic site in Butler County. Visitors can tour the 1874 farmhouse, bank barn and family cemetery of the Christian Augspurger family. “Although we already serve hundreds of regional visitors a year already, this restroom will allow us the ability to double the number of visitors each year,” said Anne Jantzen, Friends of Chrisholm board member.
The outdoor composting restroom meets LEED certification standards, is handicapped accessible and environmentally friendly. In addition to being functional, it also serves to educate visitors about the latest in “green” technology. “This is such an appropriate facility for this particular park because we emphasize the importance of history and learning. Exposing visitors, especially youth, to this facility will make them more aware of being good stewards of the earth and how there are many ways to accomplish this,” Jantzen said.
The Friends of Chrisholm permanently donated the facility to MetroParks as a positive enhancement to the property. |
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Chrisholm Park
Trenton, Ohio
- "Off the Grid" construction
- Generates electricity using a photo voltaic panel (solar panel)
- LED lights use less electric
- Uses natural light and ventilation
- Does not require water
- Produces useful compost
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