The publica restrooms at Longwood Gardens were honored Wednesday as the best in the United States in 2014 by Cintas.
EAST MARLBOROUGH — When you gotta go, you gotta go. But who knew the best place to go in the U.S. would be in Chester County?
America voted and decided that Longwood Gardens has the best public restroom in all the land. After viewing its awe-inspiring “green wall” and eco-friendly design, the online public selected the venue’s restroom over a strong field of finalists in the 13th annual contest, sponsored by Cintas.
As the most visited public garden in America, Longwood Gardens is renowned for its grand horticulture displays. Now, the distinctive restrooms have become a national icon too. Along with the “green wall” outside the restrooms, visitors find etched translucent glass inside that provides natural light, reduces electricity and minimizes the need for light fixtures.
As the 2014 winner, Longwood Gardens also receives a $2,500 credit to spend on Cintas services like restroom cleaning and supplies, cleaning chemicals or wet mops for their restroom floors. All three top vote getters win a complimentary Deep Clean of their restroom (valued up to $500).
“We’re excited to announce Longwood Gardens as the 2014 Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom,” said Cintas’ Senior Marketing Manager John Engel. “The team at Longwood has proven it understands the value of a restroom that’s creative and memorable for guests.”
Engel visited Longwood Gardens on Wednesday, November 19 at 10 am ET to present Chief Marketing Officer Marnie Conley with the 2014 award.
In the contest, which attracted thousands of online votes, America chose Bowl Plaza in Lucas, Kansas as the No. 2 place “to go.” The Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri took 3rd place.
“We are so pleased to receive the America’s Best Restroom award,” said Conley. “Longwood Gardens is about beautiful horticulture, being a good steward to our environment, and providing an extraordinary experience for our more than one million guests each year.”
As for the restroom’s famous green wall? “The wall has become a ‘must-see’ destination for our guests, many of whom may have never seen a green wall before and are curious about how we care for it,” said Conley. “It’s the only restroom with its own docents!”
The 2014 contest attracted nominations from a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, a retail complex, an outdoor restroom along a running trail and a children’s toy store. Cintas selected the ten finalists based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements.
