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Committee debates closing park restrooms, rental key system and pavilion-fee changes amid vandalism concerns
Summary
To curb vandalism and reduce maintenance, the township proposed limiting public restroom access in parks to when snack-shack staff are present, for pavilion rentals or major events; members agreed to table fee and operational changes pending cost estimates.
The committee debated closing park restrooms to the general public except when the snack shack is open, for pavilion rentals or major events, citing recurring vandalism and maintenance costs.
Open-space and DPW representatives described repeated vandalism and high maintenance demands for restrooms. Staff proposed limiting access and making restrooms available for pavilion renters (who would receive a key) or by having DPW staff open and close facilities for a modest overtime payment. Members discussed alternatives including timed locks, key rental fees and raising pavilion rental rates to cover additional staffing and cleanup costs.
Members considered allowing renters to pay a deposit and take responsibility for opening and closing the restrooms or instead to have DPW staff perform the service for a small fee. The committee also discussed port-a-john availability and suggested tabling any fee changes for a month while staff gather cost estimates and projected overtime impacts.
Separately, the committee reiterated leash-law enforcement and asked staff to consider limited additional patrols or warnings for users who do not pick up after pets. No formal ordinance changes were adopted; members directed staff to return with fee proposals and operational plans at the next meeting.
