North Carolina bathroom a finalist in America's Best Restroom contest

Any restroom in the United States open to the public is eligible, the contest states.

North Carolina's representative is the Pump House, a stand-alone bathroom building on West Avenue in Kannapolis. A description on the contest page describes the area as "a beautiful place to rest, relax and have fun."

According to the post, while simple in design, the bathroom itself is kept clean and neat by the Kannapolis Parks and Recreation staff, and the area's attraction comes from the water fountains and splash pad, tree-lined street and seating outside the restroom. The Pump House is also surrounded by art sculptures, swings and murals.

Other nominees include the restroom in Terminal 4 of John F. Kennedy International Airport, which features a modern design of bright white terrazzo flooring, marbleized walls and porcelain tile in the vanity area.

Another nominee is the Core24 gym in Greenville, South Carolina, which features a colorful spray-painted mural, a flower wall and a rope swing.

A third nominee, the Fancy Flush, is a one-of-a-kind portable toilet in Santa Rosa, Calif., which puts classic porta-potties to shame.

Designed with a "French Country cottage flair," the small restroom has board and batten siding, boxwood hedges, hand-painted faux wood doors and wrought iron finishes. It can be rented for private events.

Voting is open through Aug. 20, and voters can submit multiple votes. Nominations are also open for the 2022 contest.