Longwood Gardens are known for their beautiful gardens, aren't they? Well they are also known for their amazing public restrooms. They won first prize in the Cintas' America's Best Restroom contest last year. Any restroom in the United States that is open to the public is eligible. So Longwood is on the list again this year, along with 9 other public restrooms. Here's the description.
"The public restrooms at Longwood Gardens, the most visited public garden in America, deserve a double-take as you walk by. That’s because the 17 restrooms themselves are part of the largest indoor “Green Wall” in North America! The staff at Longwood worked with artist Kim Wilkie on an unprecedented feat of bathroom architecture. Take a look at the photos, and you’ll understand. Aside from the restrooms’ lush greenery, they also feature domed, naturally lit lavatory cabinets hidden within the “Green Wall.” In addition, each restroom contains etched translucent glass at the top of the dome to provide natural light, reduce electricity and minimize the need for light fixtures. Longwood Gardens traces its roots to the famed du Pont family and has become preeminent for its grand collection of plant life. Now, its restrooms also share in the spotlight. “The restrooms at Longwood have become a ‘must-see’ for our one million annual visitors, and we even have docents nearby to share the story of their creation,” says Patricia Evans, communications manager at Longwood Gardens. “To be named America’s Best Restroom would be a testament to our creativity and environmental stewardship.”
If you want to see the winners over the past years, go to this 'hall of fame' link:
http://www.bestrestroom.com/us/Hall_of_Fame/
Here's the link to see this year's nominees:
http://www.bestrestroom.com/us/vote.asp
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