SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Cathy Hennessey isn’t the outdoorsy type, but the Mobile native took up camping when she got married three months ago.

“My husband knew I was a city girl when he married me, so he tries to pick places close to home, so I don’t feel so cut off from civilization,” Hennessey said Friday, as the newlyweds headed toward the gates of Historic Blakeley State Park.

Ask and ye shall receive, Cathy Hennessey.

Blakeley Director Jo Ann Flirt said modern restroom and shower facilities were installed “virtually overnight” beginning Nov. 10 and will soon be open to the public.

The restroom site, Flirt said, was prepared near the campground Wednesday, and by noon of that day a large crane had lowered “precast concrete facilities” into place.

Within four hours, the restrooms and showers were in place with fully-functioning water and electricity.

“A septic tank was installed (Thursday), and as soon as the drinking water is tested for safety the new facilities will be put into use by the public,” Flirt said, adding that a second vault-type restroom was added Thursday as well in the park’s waterfront area.

Flirt said the park used its portion of the Baldwin County rental taxes collected to fund the new facilities Fort Morgan also receives a portion of those taxes.

Harry Washburn of Bay Minette said he prefers primitive camping and has never cared if a state park provides restrooms and showers, but with three kids under the age of 9 he thinks the amenities might be nice for a change.

“It’s close quarters in a tent, and it’s not like we just sit around doing nothing all day. I wouldn’t call it a necessity, but I might be able to get used to it,” Washburn said.