Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 28th November 2024 Issue no. 1140
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Voting for 2024 America's Best Restroom Contest now open, says Cintas
The top 10 finalists in the 2024 America's Best Restroom contest - the 23rd - have been announced. Voting in this annual contest which celebrates businesses that develop and maintain innovative restroom facilities, is now open and you have through August 16th to examine the finalists and cast your vote.
"We are thrilled to announce this year's finalists, each showcasing a commitment to cleanliness, functionality and innovative design," says John Rudy, senior director of marketing at Cintas. "Well-maintained facilities play a vital role in customer satisfaction and retention. These finalists excel in both hygiene and design to create an outstanding restroom experience for all."
The top 10 finalists in are, (in alphabetical order):
1. Hop Shops (Florence, Kentucky): This groovy facility at the HOP Shops convenience store features trendy tile and green soap dispensers. You can push the big red button to get the disco party started with neon lights, a spinning disco ball and music. This unique washroom is clean and stylish enough to host a wedding!
2. Indiana Caverns (Corydon, Indiana): Indiana Caverns is the longest cave in Indiana. It offers a full range of activities including zip lining, escape rooms and gemstone mining. When you step into the washrooms, you'll forget you're in a cave. The spacious facilities were designed for practicality and hygiene. The walls and floors are tiled with simple, easy-to-clean materials in neutral colours. Multiple cubicles make the place functional and accommodating for visitors.
3. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium (Kansas City, Missouri): The 202-acre nature sanctuary houses nearly 10,000 animals and boasts exceptional education programming and amenities - including washrooms. The beautiful, all-gender facilities in the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium were created with inclusiveness and sustainability in mind. They feature toddler seats, baby changing stations, mother's room and more, within an impeccably clean space. There is also an adult-sized universal changing station, the second to be installed at the Zoo. Automated lights, water and flushing are just a few of the sustainable components that help the Zoo fulfil its commitment to conservation.
4. Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin): The washrooms at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, are designed to accommodate large crowds and enhance the fan experience. They feature modern amenities and are numerous and spacious, ensuring shorter wait times. Lambeau Field has accommodated all guests by including a powered, height-adjustable adult-sized changing table in the Atrium washroom. Additionally, Lambeau Field emphasises cleanliness and efficient maintenance to keep the facilities in top condition throughout events.
5. MAD (Houston, Texas): Designed by Lazaro Rosa-Violan, MAD's eclectic restroom merges Spanish flair with a cosmic theme, paying homage to Houston's Space City motif. The hallway is covered in mirrors, and neon lights reflecting vibrant hues create an illusion of infinite space, adding to the room's surreal and breathtaking atmosphere. The washroom itself features Spanish tiles juxtaposed with sleek futuristic neon light fixtures and metallic accents.
6. Maverik - America's First Stop (Salt Lake City, Utah): Adventure's first stop isn't just about fuelling your car. Maverik's washrooms deserve recognition for their commitment to cleanliness and comfort, with sparkling fixtures, spacious cubicles and fresh amenities that make each pit stop along your adventure a pleasant experience. Maverik's facilities go the extra mile with touches like adventurous décor and even family-friendly features in over 500 stores across 13 western states. In fact, USA Today names Maverik as a place with the cleanest gas station restrooms in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Utah.
7. Maximilian Motorsports (Chehalis, Washington): The washroom at Maximilian Motorsports is no ordinary space. It is a stunning fusion of luxury and automotive passion, with every wall featuring iconic and unique automotive memorability meaningful to the owner and the shop. A standout feature is the sink and faucet, repurposed from a Peugeot rally car. The faucet's robust, utilitarian design reflects the rugged performance and reliability of rally cars. Upcycled license plates cover the walls, and the coat rack is adorned with Mercedes emblems. Every element has been thoughtfully selected to immerse visitors into the world of automotive excellence.
8. Morning Glory (San Diego, California) pictured: Located in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, Morning Glory is committed to making brunch an extravagant affair. The washrooms feature floor-to-ceiling mirrors and mirrored tiles, creating a glimmering effect from every angle. Custom pink light fixtures hang from the ceiling and pull in 1980s-inspired design elements featured in the restaurant's dining room. The facility also features a custom shell-shaped sink and winged faucet.
9. Natchez Trace State Park Visitor Center (Wildersville, Tennessee): The unisex washroom at the Natchez Trace State Park Visitor Center is thoughtfully designed to enhance accessibility for all individuals. It features an adult changing table, offering a sturdy and hygienic surface for caregivers and those needing assistance. This wall-mounted table folds neatly against the wall when not in use and is electronically controlled, allowing it to lower to 12 inches and rise to 39.5 inches while supporting over 400 pounds. In addition, the spacious facility includes tiled walls and floors, a standard toilet, and multiple grab bars to assist with mobility.
10. Throne Restrooms (Brentwood, Maryland): Throne is committed to providing reliable washroom access when and where it is needed. The washrooms are innovative, high-tech portable facilities designed to provide a modern and hygienic experience. They offer a touchless, clean and convenient solution for public spaces such as parks, outdoor venues and urban areas. Each Throne is equipped with a suite of smart sensors to inform service operations to ensure the washroom stays clean.
The top 10 finalists were selected based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements. The winner will be honoured with a place in the America's Best Restroom Hall of Fame and receive a Cintas UltraClean washroom cleaning service and $2,500 in facility services or washroom cleaning from Cintas.
Last year, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport won the title of having America's Best Restroom for its smart system, coupled with a spacious design and fully enclosed cubicles for privacy.
Visit the facilities and vote for your favourite at:
25th July 2024