By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Repeated vandalism of some restrooms in City Park has resulted in the bathrooms being closed to the public.
Most of the restrooms in the city’s parks are shuttered starting in November because they are not winterized, according to Bowling Green Public Services Director Joe Fawcett. Without having heat, the water lines to the restrooms would likely rupture during the winter.
The only park restrooms that are winterized are located next to the skatepark in City Park, in Simpson Garden Park, and in Wintergarden Woods. The Simpson and Wintergarden restrooms remain open from dawn until dusk year-round.
However, the City Park restrooms by the skatepark have been closed until city officials can find a way to stop vandalism of those bathrooms.
According to Fawcett, the restrooms have been vandalized frequently this year with feces and with soap dispensers being ripped off walls.
“It’s been a continual issue in the park this year,” Fawcett said.
The skatepark is frequently used by kids after school and on weekends.
So city officials are searching for short-term and long-term solutions.
As a possible short-term answer, the city placed an ADA-accessible porta-potty next to the skatepark. The skatepark restroom will remain open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 11 a.m.
“We felt it was necessary to give people an option,” Fawcett said. But the porta-potty has also been vandalized, he said.
Fawcett said city officials want to provide restrooms, since the parks are used year-round.
“We understand the frustration of not having the bathrooms open,” he said.
At Monday’s Bowling Green City Council meeting, the option of putting cameras outside the restrooms was discussed.
“We’re asking for the public’s patience,” while the city finds solutions to the ongoing vandalism, Fawcett said. “This is a public park and we want everyone to enjoy it.”
