Yakima Mayor Confirms Park Restrooms Will Remain Open During Summer Season

Yakima City officials say park bathrooms will be open throughout the upcoming summer season. Yakima Mayor Matt Brown confirmed that the Yakima City Council voted Tuesday to keep the restrooms at city parks accessible, despite big budget cuts that had originally threatened their closure.

THE BATHROOM CLOSURE UPSET PARK USERS

Earlier this month, city officials revealed unpopular plans to shut down park bathrooms due to a $9 million budget deficit. The move sparked disappointment among residents and visitors who rely on park facilities during the busy summer months.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Manager, Ken Wilkenson, says funding for maintenance—including restroom service, supplies, and graffiti cleanup—had been eliminated as part of the budget reductions.

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LIONS POOL NOW OPEN FOR THE YEAR

So the city responded on Tuesday. Mayor Brown the city is now using a combination of city funds and community donations to keep the facilities open. In addition to the bathrooms, the city also plans to keep Yakima’s Lion’s Pool operational for the rest of the year. Franklin Pool is scheduled to open on June 15 after a leak is repaired and will also stay open for the summer swimming season.

RESERVE FUNDING AND DONATIONS

Funding to support the pools and bathrooms comes from the city’s reserve fund and more than $120,000 raised through a community-led fundraising campaign. Lawmakers from eastern and central Washington lead efforts to gather donations and rally support to preserve the pools and park facilities amid the budget challenges.