Rochester Parks Restrooms Expected to Reopen This Week

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester officials say they're hopeful the restrooms at city parks and other public facilities can be reopened in a matter of days.

A news release issued by the city says some of the restroom facilities could be unlocked as soon as Tuesday as crews continue cleaning up the messes and repairing the damage caused by vandalism and drug-related activity. The Rochester Parks and Recreation Department announced last Friday that the restrooms had been locked due to the damage and would remain closed to the public until further notice.

An update on the situation issued Monday afternoon says the Parks Department and Rochester Police have been "collaborating to address the complex and multifaceted issues occurring with those experiencing homelessness, as well as other individuals involved.”

Parks & Recreation Director Paul Widman shares, “Closing the restrooms was not an arbitrary or an easy decision. Over the past several weeks, we have seen an increase in vandalism, needles and other drug paraphernalia and disturbing incidents involving human feces. Park users and our City teammates have reported these occurrences. The vandalism often leaves exposed electric wires or sharp edges, which create an unsafe environment for all.”

The news release says Parks Department staff members frequently clean restrooms and prepare picnic shelters for public events but due to the increase in "various damaging behaviors and activities," but the employees have not been able to keep up with the damage and messes at facilities across the city's parks system.

City officials say it is hoped that the majority of the restroom facilities will be open by June 30th. Any facilities that remain closed will have portable restrooms in place by that date.