Rest Areas Closing in Many States

fulltimedaniel wrote:
I think that part of the problem is the trend in the last few years to "man" rest areas 24 hours a day by contracted "cleaning" crews. This was thought to result in decreased vandalism and lower crime.

What actually happened is that those contractors did what should have been expected. Low balled the first contract bid and steadiy rose their prices over time. What this results in is higher and higher costs states feel they cant get rid of.

There are plenty of companies out there making modular bathroom systems (see some Parks)that are virtually vandal proof. They are low maintenance and can be hosed down.

Other states have invested millions in overly fancy grandiose rest areas that are like mini cities. These soak up more millions in upkeep and those contractors. Thus smaller more humble but badly needed rest areas get closed.

Most of the larger rest stops in MN have an attendant on duty for part of the day. This is a State employee. He is tasked with keeping the interiors clean and functional. I believe they have separate grounds crews for trash pickup and landscaping. You really need to stop at one of these State Rest Areas to appreciate it. It makes a Hotel or restaurant restroom complex look like a junkyard, in comparison. Most of these are on the Interstate system. We also have smaller stops, maybe just a picnic table or two, on some of the longer State roads. There are at least three pull-offs I know about around the Mpls/St. Paul area that have either an artesian well or a hand pump for spring water. MN treats it's travelers well.