Mission Viejo May Become Known For The Best Restroom In America

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Did you know there's a competition for America's Best Restroom? It's true. The folks at Cintas Corp. have selected the top contest finalist for the 2021 America's Best Restroom Contest, and Mission Viejo has a contender.

The public restroom at William S. Craycraft Park is up against nine other privies from Washington, D.C., JFK Airport, a historic Pump House turned playground in North Carolina, truly funky multi-textured wallpaper and tiled bathroom in Michigan, and a pizza place in New York City designed to look like a subway. Who knew there so much attention went into designing destination-style public restrooms?

What's at stake? According to the annual contest, conducted by Cintas, the winner will receive $2,500 in products and services. The top 10 contenders were chosen based upon cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design, according to a Cintas spokesperson. Last year, Bancroft Park in Colorado Springs won the top honor with self-cleaning restrooms, all compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In Mission Viejo, William S. Craycraft Park's public restroom hopes to flush the competition after Friday's vote. The park serves area toddlers and preschoolers, and is named for a former Mission Viejo City Council member.

"The custom restroom features a custom tiled front alcove with exterior drinking fountains and water bottle filler," the entry reads.

This large, well-ventilated, multiple-occupant restroom's design includes:

• 10 toilets.
• 2 urinals.
• 6 sinks that can accommodate up to 540 users per hour.

Designers used a mix of finishes, according to the announcement. Tile, brick, stained wood shiplap and PRM cement stucco for wainscoting. Also, a barn-style outdoor wall with complementary lighting gives the restroom a "modern, classy look."

Can it compete with a bathroom with an indoor swing? A pizza place restroom that looks like a graffiti-covered subway car? Or a portable toilet that has all the nods of a custom en suite bath, minus the shower? You be the judge.

Vote on Mission Viejo's Craycraft public restroom before the end of day Friday, and we'll see who wins the 2021 America's Best Restroom contest.