Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / kurga
Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her desk and “wander around” the area of operations, talk to people, ask questions, and kick around ideas with the individuals in the thick of delivering services to the public. So the author will bring up issues and ask the leaders among the readership to share their knowledge and experiences.
Public restrooms are among the most challenging facilities for maintenance staff members; most of the restrooms are heavily used—and often abused—at parks and sports complexes, day and night, week after week, all year long.
While it is natural to focus on sports-field turf, rink surfaces, courts, and special-event venues, equal attention should be allocated to the restrooms that support them, as well as those that serve passive recreation areas. One of the best ways to ensure getting torrid—and justifiable—complaints is to have a dirty, smelly bathroom at a heavily used park or at a special event.
A Look At Paper Products
Making sure paper products are well stocked is a great first step to successful restroom management. There are many effective products available to ensure ample stock without exposing the products to vandals, such as jumbo-sized, sealed, and locked toilet-tissue holders, or those that hold multiple, rotating rolls.