Seattle's Waterfront Park opens new all-gender public restrooms with full-time attendants

Seattle's Waterfront Park has unveiled new all-gender public restrooms, featuring six stalls and a dedicated bathroom attendant to enhance user experience. This facility, which cost nearly $2 million, is designed to be welcoming and clean, catering to families and visitors of all ages and abilities. Joy Shagika, CEO of Friends of the Waterfront, emphasized that their nonprofit will employ full-time concierges to maintain the restroom's cleanliness and provide assistance to park users. The initiative comes in response to past challenges faced by city park restrooms, which were criticized for cleanliness and accessibility. City Auditor Dave Jones highlighted issues related to vandalism and budget cuts affecting restroom maintenance.

The Seattle Center is responsible for the operation and upkeep of this new facility, ensuring that it remains a safe and effective space. Local officials are optimistic that this model will improve public amenities and set a new standard for the city. As the Waterfront Park continues to develop, the focus on accessible amenities is seen as essential for enhancing the overall park experience.