NYC Council study finds some park restrooms are pretty gross

September 5, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

The urinals are in disgusting shape in Bay Ridge’s Shore Road Park. Photo: NYC Council

Share this:

CITYWIDE — PARK BATHROOMS across the city have issues, according to a report released Thursday by the New York City Council dubbed “Nature’s Call.” Councilmembers investigated 102 public park restrooms (one men’s room and one women’s room per district). Their research found that two-thirds of the inspected restrooms have health or safety issues, and 9% were closed. Of those that were open, 11% of stalls lacked functioning locks; 10% lacked soap; 13% lacked toilet paper; 40% were littered (not surprising considering 30% lacked garbage cans); and 23% had “unsanitary conditions,” such as the urinals in Bay Ridge’s Shore Road Park. The inspections focused on restrooms that had a history of complaints and may not reflect the conditions in all city parks.

“Many of the restrooms would benefit greatly from simple fixes, such as replacing sinks or toilets. Others need much more,” said Councilmember Gale Brewer, chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigation. She urged the mayor to allocate more funding for upgrades.

✰✰✰