NAHS to build visitor bathrooms at 'The Jackets Nest'

Nov. 29—For S.C. Rep. Bill Hixon, R-North Augusta, the pride he showcases and displays for the Yellow Jackets is undeniable. He was a graduate of the high school in 1976, and has been a representative for the area at the Statehouse for a decade.

But his pride for the school quickly turned to embarrassment, when he brought up the visiting restroom facilities for the high school's stadium during the Aiken County Legislative Delegation meeting Nov. 23.

"We have three toilets on the visitors side. They have been there forever, and my mom and daddy always taught me to treat the guests like I would want to be treated. I don't think it's right for us to play football at North Augusta High School football stadium, and it's a very nice stadium, with hundreds of thousands of dollars of new Astroturf, and we can't put in restrooms?" Hixon said.

The chamber erupted into laughter. But Hixon was serious.

"That's embarrassing ..." Hixon said. "I have a lot of parents behind me, and if they were to come tonight, they would fill this room. I just want a public statement to go on record that North Augusta is going to get and when they are going to get it."

The visiting side bathrooms to the Jacket's Nest are a set of porta potties. Originally discussed during the rebuilding of the high school and the additions to the stadium, the facilities are still not up to date with the rest of the area.

Dr. Corey Murphy, with the Aiken County Public School District, provided an update for bathroom installations.

"I have already met with the architect, and we know where we are going to put it at. Now, we've got to do some site work and make sure we have proper water, sewage and something to connect; and once that preparation is done, we will go into the design phase so the project is moving forward," Murphy said. "This is not going to be a long-term project."

Murphy gave a 18-month guideline to finish the bathrooms and an accompanying concession stand, although they could be done sooner.

S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R- Aiken, who also represents North Augusta, is relieved to see progress coming to the site.

"This is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed; we've heard about it before, but it is really becoming an issue and a lot of people have been asking about it the last few weeks, so that is why Rep. Hixon has brought it up tonight," Young said. "I am glad to see it is on here, but if there is a way to move it up quicker than 18 months, it would be well received in the community."

The Aiken County Public School district also announced the beginning of Phase 4 at North Augusta High School to build softball and baseball fields along Knobcone Avenue, across the street from the football field. The fields would have accompanying restrooms and concession stands for fans.

Samantha Winn covers the city of North Augusta, with a focus on government and community oriented business. Follow her on Twitter: @samanthamwinn and on Facebook and Instagram: @swinnnews.