New Yorkers are getting a convenience upgrade as Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa announce the launch of new public restrooms across all five boroughs. The city's "We Outside Summer" initiative marks the arrival of five "Portland Loos," part of an effort called "Ur In Luck" that kicked off last June with the goal of widening bathroom access citywide. Each of these ready-made units cost about $1 million and promise to be a faster, less expensive alternative to traditional restroom constructions, according to the NYC Mayor's Office announcement.
The move is in response to a need for more public facilities in parks and natural areas, allowing residents to enjoy longer, uninterrupted leisure time. "Let's be honest, when nature calls, New Yorkers shouldn't have to cut their fun short," said Mayor Adams in a statement obtained by the NYC Mayor's Office. "Today, we are relieving one of the biggest obstacles to enjoying our parks and public spaces."
NYC Parks is pouring over $150 million into the initiative to build new public restrooms and renovate existing ones by 2029, detailed in the "Vital Parks for All" framework. A Google Maps layer will also be made available to help residents locate the restrooms, according to the NYC Mayor's Office.
Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa highlighted the importance of these installations, saying, "We are excited to welcome the first of these innovative, ADA-accessible restrooms to all five boroughs to give New Yorkers more options when they need relief." The Loos are metallic, easy to clean, and outfitted with baby changing stations. Despite their sleek design, each Loo comes at a fraction of the cost and construction time compared to traditional public restrooms, as per the NYC Mayor's Office.
The new facilities are stationed in Joyce Kilmer Park, Irving Square Park, Thomas Jefferson Park, Hoyt Playground, and Father Macris Park. They fit into the larger strategy named "Better Bathrooms," which plans not only new constructions, but also renovations extending the life of current facilities. The "Second Shift" program is likewise in place to ensure an additional cleaning shift for public restrooms across 121 parks citywide.
