Key Facts
- Closed restrooms
- 13 of 28 in Mission Bay Park
- Projected savings
- $550,000
- Park revenue
- $40 million annually from leaseholds
- General fund share
- First $20 million
- Mayor's stance
- Rejected council proposal; evaluating options
- Conservancy action
- Seeking special use permit; meeting with Parks and Rec
Background
In July, the city of San Diego closed 13 of the 28 public restrooms in Mission Bay Park, citing budget cuts. The closures are projected to save nearly $550,000, according to the city. The move came after an initial budget proposal in February that sought to close about 38 restrooms citywide; many were restored, but Mission Bay Park bore the brunt with nearly half of its facilities shut.
Bradley Schnell, founder of the Mission Bay Park Conservancy, said the closures were anticipated given the city's challenging budget year but have had real impacts on the community. He noted that the park generates nearly $40 million annually through leaseholds, with the first $20 million going to the city's general fund. He argued that the claim of insufficient funds for restroom upkeep is 'pretty thin.'
Mission Bay Park was originally a wetlands called False Bay, dredged in the 1940s to become an aquatic playground. The park is a public trust granted by the state, and Schnell emphasized the obligation to keep it open and accessible to all. The master plan for the park has not been seriously revisited in over 35 years, though an amendment regarding De Anza Cove redevelopment is being heard by the Coastal Commission this month.
Current Situation
The restroom closures have frustrated visitors, especially during the busy summer season. Schnell described the situation as 'extremely challenging' and noted that people are using restrooms on the outside rather than inside. The closures are indefinite, with no current plans to reopen them next budget year, according to Schnell.
A cut ballot measure freed nearly $2 million in the budget, and City Council member Raul proposed using some of those funds for bathroom maintenance. However, Mayor Todd Gloria rejected the proposal. In a statement to KPBS, the mayor said he wants to keep as many public restrooms open as possible but that the identified funding would not be a sufficient long-term solution for staffing, maintenance, and operational costs. He added that the city will continue to evaluate options to reopen the restrooms.
The Conservancy is meeting with Parks and Recreation this week to discuss solutions. Schnell said their key focus is obtaining a special use permit with the city, similar to those in Balboa Park and the La Jolla Coastal Conservancy, which would allow them to supplement and help the city keep facilities open.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Closed restrooms | 13 out of 28 |
| Projected savings | $550,000 |
| Park revenue | $40 million |
| General fund allocation | $20 million |
| Budget freed by cut ballot measure | $2 million |
Impacts
The closures raise public health concerns, as visitors lack access to sanitary facilities. Schnell called it a 'huge public health concern' but framed it as a symptom of a larger issue: how the city manages generational assets. He argued that Mission Bay Park cannot be managed on an annual budget cycle or a four-year political cycle.
The lack of restrooms also affects accessibility, particularly for children and families who use the park's playgrounds. Schnell noted that most park users are children, and new playgrounds are being built while some new restrooms remain closed. This inconsistency highlights a funding structure where the first $20 million of park revenue goes to the general fund, while the remainder funds capital projects.
Economic impacts are also possible, as Mission Bay Park is a top tourist destination. Schnell said the closures could hurt nearby businesses and the overall visitor experience. He stressed the importance of free public spaces, especially in a city with a skyrocketing cost of living, and referenced recent controversy over parking fees at Balboa Park.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the Conservancy secures a special use permit, it could supplement city efforts to maintain restrooms and keep them open. Schnell expressed optimism, citing overwhelming community support and examples like the Central Park Conservancy, which revitalized Central Park in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the permit process and funding remain uncertain.
If the city identifies a sustainable funding source, restrooms could reopen in the future. Mayor Gloria said the city will continue to evaluate options, but no timeline has been provided. Schnell noted that the closures are an annual process, with Mission Bay Park 'on the chopping block' each year.
If Proposition C, passed in 2008, is revisited, more park revenue could be retained for operations. Schnell suggested that the original $20 million allocation to the general fund may need to be reconsidered. Such a change could provide long-term funding for maintenance, but it would require political and public support.
Source: kpbs.org
