LANCASTER TWP — On Thursday, members of the planning commission heard plans to apply for a grant that would fund the construction of a public restroom off the hiking trail at Four Springs Park.

Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Small Water and Sewer grant program, Lancaster plans to apply for up to $200,000 in funding that would pay for items and services, including grading, septic system installation and construction of a year-round restroom for the park on West Lancaster Road.

Because the grant requires a 15 percent match, the township would be responsible for up to $30,000 if the grant application is funded.

Benjamin Kramer, township manager, said Lancaster plans to bring a water line into the park regardless of whether the township receives the grant. He added that this would be possible because Pennsylvania-American Water Co. laid an 800-foot water line extension on West Lancaster Road.

According to Kramer, the township already has letters of support from state Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th; state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-14th; and the county planning commission.

Township Engineer Tom Thompson said initial quotes received by the township from Romtec for the restroom's construction were “rather expensive.” Proposed building styles included wood-and-stone and split block-style outhouses.

Kramer said heavy use of the trail at Four Springs Park justified the construction of the restroom. He said the park officially opened Aug. 30 and residents have already used the one-mile walkway extensively.

Steve Pennell, planning commission member, said a restroom would be a welcome addition to the park.

“I've had the privilege to walk that area, and something like that would be phenomenal,” he said.