Long-closed downtown Bend public bathrooms open again
The Downtown Bend Business Association announced Friday the reopening of the public rest rooms located in the lobby of the parking garage. These rest rooms closed about a year ago due to the level of service, maintenance and oversight required.
“We’re thrilled to have played a role in reopening the public rest rooms,” says DBBA Executive Director Rod Porsche. “This was identified by many business owners as their top priority, and the DBBA board and staff found a creative way to make reopening the rest rooms a reality.”
DBBA has agreed to add a second office in a small vacant space next to the lobby of the parking garage in order to oversee the rest rooms for a six-month trial run. If after six months it proves to be a success, the rest rooms will remain open and DBBA will occupy the new space long-term.
“We opened the rest rooms just before Memorial Day to test the system, and within five minutes people were already using the facilities,” Porsche said. “It’s nice to see such a needed amenity return to downtown Bend, especially as we gear up for thousands of daily visitors this summer.”
Staff of DBBA is now handling the oversight and the city of Bend is committed to keeping the rest rooms cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. They are currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Hours vary depending on the cleaning schedule and other factors.
“We were eager to partner with DBBA to help solve this need in downtown Bend,” said Carolyn Eagan, the city’s economic development director said. “The city is committed to reinvest in downtown Bend, and this is the first of several planned improvements for downtown this summer.”
DBBA, Ccty officials and the Bend Police Department have been working together to improve conditions in several areas of downtown. Slated for improvements are the Mirror Pond parking lots, including the median landscaping strip and garbage enclosures, as well as improvements to the nearby breezeway.
“It’s exciting to be a part of the planning process to really make a positive impact for our downtown,” Porsche said. “I have found the city and Bend Police to be especially receptive to working to create an environment where Bendites and visitors alike can enjoy their downtown Bend experience.”
The DBBA is a private nonprofit organization representing approximately 350 businesses and 85 property owners working to keep Downtown Bend vibrant. The organization is responsible for downtown beautification, cleaning and maintenance, marketing, events, and keeping the business environment healthy.
More information is available at DowntownBend.org.
