The Plumas supervisors have approved a collaborative effort with a local committee to bring a public bathroom and visitors center to downtown Quincy as part of the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) planning assistance program. This program aims to help small communities revitalize Main Streets and identify strategies to grow outdoor recreation. Local organizations, including the Sierra Butte Trail Stewardship and Quincy Chamber of Commerce, identified four goals for Quincy, with one of those being the revitalization of downtown.
A bathroom and a visitors center were determined to be the top priorities after two public meetings. A local committee representative cited a growing problem with people using the nearby bike trail as a restroom. Sheriff Johns supported the project, noting a significant increase in calls for public spaces to be used as places for people to relieve themselves. The board approved an MOU with the committee, which will operate under the 501c status of the Museum Association. Phase one of the project will build the new bathroom facility, with phase two completing the restoration of the Lowry house, the proposed site for the visitors center.
While concerns were raised regarding facility maintenance, Supervisor Hagwood suggested the board collectively find a solution and not let that issue hinder progress. The supervisors unanimously approved moving forward with an agreement with the Museum Association for ten years.
The RERC grant was awarded to Quincy in 2019, Making the town one of only 25 rural communities to be selected.
