Clovis commissioners, parks staff respond after public reported locked restrooms; $60,000 Hillcrest repair approved, keys and locking mechanisms under review

Commissioner Debbie Zamora told the Parks Recreation Beautification Committee that restrooms at Ned Howe Park were locked during a large family gathering, creating an access problem for visitors.

“My sister‑in‑law had to go squat. She's on medication. She's diabetic,” Commissioner Debbie Zamora said, describing the August incident and asking why only one person appeared to have keys to the facility.

The committee heard from parks staff that repairs and anti‑vandalism steps are underway. “We did finally receive a quote from another contractor, which then we brought to the city commission. I think it's a $60,000 quote,” a parks staff member said, adding the commission approved funds and a purchase order has been issued. Staff said the replacement fixtures will be stainless steel to reduce vandalism and that procurement lead times affect when the work can begin.

Staff explained that the newly rebuilt Ned Howe restrooms were turned over last Friday and that keys were only recently issued; they also said the door hardware can be locked from the inside, allowing a user to leave and effectively lock others out. “When we left the parks on Friday, we did have them unlocked… what we have learned is that on the handles themselves, somebody from the inside can lock it and then walk out and close the door,” the staff member said.

Committee members discussed interim options. Staff noted there are two porta‑potties near the dog park that can be used, although not adjacent to the Hillcrest building. The committee also heard that staff is making additional sets of keys and is researching locking technologies that resist simple defeat, and is exploring exterior cameras for some restroom sites to document vandalism.

Why it matters: locked or vandalized restrooms affect public access to parks, create health and safety risks for vulnerable visitors and can produce recurring repair costs. Committee members asked staff to develop concrete options, including technology, staffing and temporary restroom placement, so the committee can consider costs and next steps.

Staff next steps described to the committee included producing additional keys, evaluating locking hardware and procurement timelines for stainless‑steel fixtures. The committee asked staff to return with costed options and a recommended approach.

Ending

The committee did not adopt a new policy at the meeting; staff said they will return with specific options and cost estimates for securing and maintaining restrooms.