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Board details repeated vandalism at Baker Park restroom; porta‑potties and modest enclosures proposed
Summary
Board heard reports of repeated vandalism at a Baker Park restroom (toilets and sinks damaged), discussed temporary porta‑potties at high‑traffic areas and considered long‑term stainless fixtures that could cost more than $15,000 to outfit a single restroom.
Board members told a recurring vandalism story at Baker Park’s permanent restroom: toilets were destroyed and sinks pulled off walls on multiple occasions. Staff said the first weekend the restroom was opened vandals damaged fixtures, then damaged them again weeks later, prompting temporary closure and repairs.
As an interim step, staff added four porta‑potties at high‑traffic locations (near playgrounds, shelters and the disc‑golf area) to ensure restroom access for shelter rentals and daily park users. Staff (Mike) said the city is working with a vendor to service the units and plans to build modest enclosures around the units to make them less vulnerable to tipping and vandalism.
The board discussed a longer‑term investment in vandal‑resistant stainless fixtures. Staff estimated stainless fixtures would cost more than $3,000 apiece and that equipping the Baker restroom in stainless could exceed $15,000. Members noted the city’s small maintenance staff and budget constraints, and emphasized the balance between repair costs and public access.
No formal new capital appropriation was recorded in the transcript; staff said they expect repairs and reopening within about a week and will continue the porta‑potty strategy while assessing longer‑term upgrades.
