If you have anything to say about the whole “Does Phoenix Park need a second bathroom?” issue, tonight’s the night. The Eau Claire City Council’s Monday night public hearing tonight (7pm, Council Chamber, City Hall, 203 S. Farwell Street). To get your mind a-churning over the pros and cons, here’re a few answers to the question, “Should we build another restroom in Phoenix Park?”

Yes, we should
• The current facility is too far for kids and elderly (or someone in an “emergency” situation).
• The city already rents port-o-potties, so this should save money in the long run.
• If you build a facility with room for storing tables and chairs (as discussed), you can rent those out for events and actually make money in the long run.
• With a shortage of bike racks during peak periods, the structure could also serve some of that need.

No, we shouldn’t
• We’ve already got a more-than-suitable facility at the trailhead. Just suck it up and walk.
• $216,000 to $309,000 is too much, and can be allocated to something needed more.
• Phoenix Park is only extremely busy at certain times, so most the time the restrooms would go unused.
• Another building would just take away more of the grass and park spaces.