Pasco is closing some public park restrooms. Here’s why
The city of Pasco will close restrooms at a select number of parks because of ongoing vandalism, damage and misuse.
On Wednesday, the city announced it would close facilities at Sylvester Park, Volunteer Park, Highlands Park and Riverview Park. Those parks are located around downtown and in east Pasco.
“These concerns arose when we received reports of vandalism, individuals ingesting narcotics and even a fire,” a police spokesperson said in a video posted to social media.
“The restrooms will still be open during public events, such as Fourth of July, or when the facilities are being rented. But for day-to-day use we will be relying on portable toilets,” said the post.
Due to ongoing vandalism, damage, and misuse of Pasco park bathrooms, we've decided to close some of the bathrooms unless it's being rented or used for events. Portable toilets are available. Closed Bathrooms: Sylvester Park, Volunteer Park, Highland Park, Riverview Park pic.twitter.com/TQYYSwjXhb
— City of Pasco (@Pasco_WA) May 10, 2023
The closures are going into effect right as the city gears up for warmer weather, and as spring and summer events swing into action.
Thousands of Tri-City residents flocked to downtown parks and plazas for the Cinco de Mayo Festival last weekend. Volunteer Park played host to swarms of families who lined up along 3rd and 4th avenues for the annual parade.
City Manager Adam Lincoln tweeted that they would be “looking into other alternatives” for parks staff to host clean and open restrooms, such as the Portland Loo.
The Portland Loo is a single-occupancy, stainless-steel public toilet that features “austere and uncomfortable” utilities and structural materials to deter drug use and vandalism.
There are about 34 public and private parks throughout the city of Pasco, totaling about 800 acres.
