Parks director outlines transit center and Andrews Park restroom problems, safety concerns and possible temporary solutions

Jay Solson, director of Parks and Recreation, told the City of Norman oversight committee Aug. 14 that the transit center and Andrews Park restrooms have experienced repeated infrastructure failures, public-safety hazards and vandalism that prompted long-term planning and short-term mitigation.

Solson said the transit center (opened Oct. 2023) has needed sewer repairs, grinder pumps and toilet replacements because older pipes and items flushed into fixtures caused frequent clogs and flooding. He said a handicap door actuator problem recently closed the lobby for about a week and a half but was repaired and the transit center lobby and restroom are now open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to coincide with third-party security coverage. Solson said the sewer line connected to the building will eventually need replacement as part of a capital project.

On Andrews Park, Solson described a history of vandalism and human-health hazards that prompted permanent closure of the park building restrooms in May 2022. He listed repeated incidents including an apparent explosive device that ignited and set fire to the restroom, arson, people defecating on floors and smearing waste on walls, needles found inside the…