The city of Glendale has closed some of its public restrooms after finding serious damage from vandalism, used condoms, and drug paraphernalia.
The public restrooms at Glendale’s Murphy Park were gross. Staff regularly found hair clogging sinks, human waste on the floor, used needles, used condoms and significant damage from vandalism. Police had a hard time patrolling them, and the cleaning and maintenance staff had an even harder time keeping up with the mess. So the city of Glendale decided to close them.
“When servicing the bathrooms, they noticed damage to the mirrors, toilet paper dispensers, writing on the wall, and the fire sprinkler heads were also found stuffed with toilet paper,” said Jay Crandall, a spokesperson for the city of Glendale.
“Security staff while on patrol has found people taking baths in the restrooms, sleeping in the stalls and refusing entrance to other people. We have also found the bathrooms to be left with personal belongings on the floor and shopping carts full of items," Crandall said.
Some downtown businesses were concerned about the vandalism moving to their premises, so Crandall said Glendale police will increase patrols to mitigate any potential criminal activity on private property.
The closures come after discussions with city staff, the downtown business community and other stakeholders.
Restrooms in Glendale’s City Hall and the Velma Teague Library will be available to the public during business hours, and the restrooms at Murphy Park will re-open during special events.
