Before 2024, Lakeland Soccer players had never had the accommodation of an easy-access bathroom.
That all changed when athletic director Matt Neff saw the undeniable need for a bathroom and concession stand located in the corner of the soccer fields.
“There have never been any bathrooms over there except for porta potties which for our athletes and parents and opposing teams is unacceptable,” Neff said.
Roughly a year and a half ago, construction started to create a more efficient way for players and spectators to relieve themselves. The project is finally done, and next year the porta potties will be put out of commission.
“I am excited for the bathrooms because the porta potties are disgusting,” Cadyn Leonard said.
This was extremely inconvenient not only for Lakeland athletes but also for teams that have to travel long distances and have to go to the bathroom when they arrive. Not only were the porta potties unsanitary, but they also trap heat and cold air, making them even more of a burden to use. No one would choose to use a porta-potty. Many people would choose to wait to use an actual restroom over one.
“My mom had to take my sister home because she would not use the porta-potties,” Leonard said.
The construction of the bathrooms started a little over a year and a half ago and took about that long to finish construction, but the bathrooms and concessions are now ready for use.
“Everything was donated for the bathrooms, and even though it took a while, it was worth the wait. They will be good for the next 20 years,” Neff said.
This addition was huge for both athletes and spectators alike. It makes more people want to attend and creates a cleaner environment for people to use the restroom.
All the construction was done through numerous different individual companies that donated to the cause, but Lexar Homes really came in and stepped up to support the cause.
They helped with things like the organization and communication aspect.
“Lexar Homes was super helpful in making this project become a reality,” Neff said.
These bathrooms and concessions were a huge step in helping rebuild the views of LHS soccer teams.
They give the school a better, cleaner look, and make people feel more comfortable when playing or watching the games.
The bathrooms include both a male and female restroom, along with more than one stall, for multiple people’s usage.
These bathrooms also allow athletes to be able to change more easily and more efficiently.
“If you had to change, you had to change in the middle of the field or try to get into the middle school which was not ideal,” Leonard said.
All of LHS staff and athletes are excited to use these new bathrooms next season.
