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Commission discusses park CIP projects, restroom vandalism and plans for monitored facilities
Summary
San Bernardino commissioners updated progress on neighborhood park projects and debated restroom repairs and monitoring after repeated vandalism and public-access concerns. Staff said restroom upgrades are on the CIP and an RFQP for restroom monitoring is planned.
San Bernardino’s Arts and Historical Preservation Commission spent a large portion of its meeting discussing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) work at neighborhood parks and the ongoing problem of damaged and inaccessible restrooms. Staff reported construction progress at Second Lake, improvements at Spiker and Nicholson parks and design work for a new community center, while commissioners pressed for durable restroom solutions that balance access with safety.
The meeting opened with staff updates that Second Lake is moving ahead, with recent contractor work on irrigation, playground footings and installation of a shade structure. Nicholson Park was described as “about 90% done,” and the community center linked to that park is in architectural design with plans to go to RFP for construction.
Concerns about public restroom access and repeated vandalism dominated discussion. A commissioner described conditions near the skate park: “they don’t have nowhere to pee… so they’re literally just peeing right there at the sign area,” and noted people were being ticketed for public urination when no facilities are available. Staff said opening restrooms without maintenance and security creates a risk that facilities will be used as shelter or be damaged.
To address maintenance and security limits, staff said the restroom work is on the city’s CIP list and the city plans to issue an RFQP (request for qualification/price) for restroom monitoring and custodial services so restrooms can be opened and maintained during events and peak use without relying on city staff to open, close and clean each facility.
Commissioners also flagged repeated theft and vandalism (missing sinks, stolen pipes) and discussed technical choices intended to improve durability and lower maintenance costs, including LED and solar-powered lighting. Staff emphasized the need to prioritize a subset of high‑use parks for initial investments and acknowledged repair costs and the ongoing operational burden.
Staff outlined a cautious approach: complete needed repairs and design work in the CIP, pursue monitoring/custodial contracts, and pilot solutions at the highest‑use parks before broader rollouts. No formal action approving capital spending occurred at the meeting; projects remain on the CIP list for future consideration and budgeting.
