The Barrington Town Council should be applauded for finally making a decision to improve athletic facilities in town. By adding portable restrooms at the town’s sports complexes, it took a baby step toward improving the worst collection of sports fields in Rhode Island [Explanation: Every time we say ‘worst,’ we must clarify that this refers to the aggregation of factors including access, parking, field quality, drainage, seating, waste receptacles and bathroom facilities].

It will be nice for visiting players and parents to no longer wander into the woods or take a run to Dunkin’ to use the ‘facilities.’

The applause should end, however, if the town ever chooses to push the cost for a few port-a-johns onto the shoulders of the town’s sports leagues, which is essentially passing it on to the families of 6 through 12-year-olds. The council reluctantly agreed to cover the estimated $10,000 cost for one year. Hopefully that cost can permanently find a home somewhere in the $80 million annual spending plans for the town and schools.