Neighbors press parks commission to enclose North Valley Park outhouse; staff cites costs and ADA constraints

Two residents told the commission Sept. 10 they are troubled by the visibility and condition of a portable restroom (referred to in the meeting as an "outhouse") facing North Valley Drive and asked the city to enclose or otherwise screen the facility. They also praised a recent fence that hid a dumpster, and suggested relocating the dumpster to South Valley Park and placing a restroom at the prior dumpster location.

One resident asked whether the parks budget could accommodate an $8,000–$9,000 enclosure to screen the outhouse; the speaker noted the city’s operating budget was "around a little north of $2,000,000" as staff previously summarized, and asked that a small amount be found to address the visual issue.

Adam Moss, park and recreation director, responded that the park system’s budget is largely itemized and not a source of discretionary “slush,” and that enclosure options require review. He said prior dumpster enclosure work cost roughly $15,000 (concrete and fencing) and that simple partial fencing is unlikely to meet requirements; a full enclosure needs to be designed with ADA access in mind and can carry higher costs due to required concrete, footing and no‑maintenance materials. Moss said the dumpster fence improved the situation and that staff would consider the outhouse request within broader park planning.

Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives including relocating the restroom or the dumpster, using in‑house maintenance staff for modest improvements, and seeking low‑cost screening measures. Moss noted the park where the restroom sits does not have a permanent restroom facility on site and that the portable unit serves users, including pickleball players.

No formal action was taken; the issue was recorded during the public‑comment period and staff acknowledged it will be considered during future planning and maintenance decisions.