Neighbors weigh in on Clemens Park

Security and cleanliness of a planned restroom facility are the two concerns on the minds of neighbors of Clemens Park.

In response to an invitation from the Parks Advisory Board (PAB), about 25 neighbors and other users assembled at the park on Wednesday, February 18, to hear the plans for installing a restroom in the park's southeast corner and to share their concerns or support.

The restroom is the only element of the 2008 Master Plan that has not been installed. The split-rail fence, entry sign, and doggie stations are all in place as is the children's play structure, which is bringing more and more families with young children to the park. Where there are young children (or anyone else), there is a need for bathroom facilities.

In 2011 the bathrooms were again listed as a Priority 1 for Clemens Park. The PAB has reviewed all of the Priority 1 items on the current Parks Master Plan, and the Clemens restroom facility is at the top of the list. What makes this so relevant right now is the April 1 application deadline for an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department "Close to Home" grant that would fund the facility with a 20 percent match from the City.

To answer the neighbors' concerns regarding cleanliness and security, Community Development Director Pauline Hardie assured the neighbors that the doors are secured at night by programmable automatic locks. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office substation is right down the street.

The public works department will perform maintenance of the facility. The prefab building is designed with drains in the floor so each bathroom can be completely hosed out if necessary. Automatic hand-dryers eliminate the need for paper towels, cutting down on paper expense and reducing the possibility of overflowing garbage cans and litter.

One of the citizens suggested that a sign be installed on the building with the public works emergency number so that any problems or concerns could be addressed in a timely manner. The PAB is considering placing those signs in all City parks.

At the conclusion of the meeting, there appeared to be general consensus that the restroom facilities at Clemens Park, which will be less than half the size of those at Fir Street Park, are needed and would be a welcome addition.

As one young father who lives near the park said, "If we're going to do this, we need to do it right."