Park Restrooms to Be Reopened for Now

Responding to health and convenience concerns, Oxnard officials have decided to reopen restrooms in public parks throughout the city on a six-month trial basis.

The city closed many of its 29 public restrooms in 1992 because of budget cuts, allowing some to stay open only on weekends for Little League games and other functions.

Although city officials estimate it would cost more than $230,000 annually in maintenance and cleaning fees to keep all the facilities open seven days a week, City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to open a majority of them in the next several weeks.

“It’s time to make a decision on this so we provide the services that we should be providing,” said Councilman Tom Holden, adding that the city will have to find funds in its budget to pay for the cleaning and maintenance. “I’m suggesting that we do it . . . and we find the money.”

The city did not shut restrooms in its larger parks, such as Del Sol Park, Community Center Park and Oxnard State Beach Park. But restrooms in smaller neighborhood parks are now open only on weekends while others are badly in need of repair. Members of the public have complained that some residents are relieving themselves in the parks because the bathrooms are closed, creating smells and health hazards.

Council members also discussed installing portable toilets in parks where officials would have to make costly repairs. City reports state that medium-size permanent structures can attract vandals, drug users and overnight campers.