Cheryl Kinnaman McCarthy was frustrated.
For the past several years the bathrooms at Compo Beach have been locked around 4 p.m. on the afternoon of the July 4th fireworks — by far, the biggest day of the year there.
After spending hours eating and drinking before the 9 p.m. show, thousands of people have waited in lines, for rows of porta-potties.
Portable toilets, ready for use last year. (Photo/Dan Woog)
It was a crappy situation.
“Among the masses are elderly, handicapped, and parents with young children,” Cheryl says.
“Sometimes a real bathroom with running water, lighting and room for several people to move around is needed.”
After several decades of fireworks, Cheryl’s mother did not want to go back this year — just because of the bathroom situation.
Cheryl understood the demands on Westport’s Parks & Recreation staff, to keep the bathrooms clean (and toilet papered) during the crush of users.
But, she wondered, couldn’t the policy be re-examined?
Earlier this week, Cheryl emailed Parks & Rec, Town Hall, and Westport PAL, the fireworks’ organizer. She copied “06880.” I followed up with a question to Parks & Rec.
Cheryl wasn’t holding her breath.
But — are you sitting down? — in less than 24 hours, we got a response.
Interim Parks & Rec director Rick Giunta wrote:
In the past, we’ve allowed the restrooms at the marina to remain open for the night of the fireworks.
However, in most recent years vandalism has become more prevalent and commonplace, forcing us to make the difficult decision to lock the permanent restroom facilities and supplement them with portable restrooms. Included with the portable restrooms were several handicap accessible units.
We do understand the frustration and inconvenience of not having the permanent facilities available during the largely attended event. However, the repairs were both time-consuming and very costly.
After consulting with operations manager Carmen Roda and parks superintendent Mike West, as a gesture of good faith and on a trial basis, for the night of the fireworks, we will allow access to the permanent restrooms located at the marina, as well as the restrooms located in the locker area.
Should there be any vandalism to these restroom facilities this year, we will revert back to portable facilities only for the fireworks event going forward.
Hopefully the vandalism phase has passed and we can all enjoy all of our wonderful facilities during these fun events going forward.
At a time when Westporters feel their voices are not always heard, this is great evidence that you can fight City Hall.
Or at least, get quick action from the new regime at Parks & Rec.
Kudos to Rick Giunta, Carm Roda, Mike West and anyone else who had a hand in hearing about a problem, discussing it, figuring out a solution, and explaining it clearly.
Now it’s up to all of us to respect the bathrooms, and make things easy for the great Parks & Rec maintenance staff.
It wouldn’t hurt to clean up after ourselves on the beach, too.
No s—.
A small bit of the tons of trash left after last year’s fireworks. (Photo/Totney Benson)
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I feel quite certain that for the cost of all those porta crappers, a “guard” could be hired for both the mens’ and womens’ permanent johns….and if it cost a little more(which it won’t), suck it up and shell it out…you are far over complimenting, Dan, for a thoughtless rapid, albeit thoughtless, response to Cheryl’s
complaint.
who would like the job ??
Bravo to Parks & Rec for an open-minded response to a resident – and community – concern. It is good to know their concerns, and it is good to know their request to the community. And thanks Dan for the reminder – it is our beach to take care of as much as Parks & Rec’s.
We all need to keep our bathrooms clean and remain vigilant. I, too, have stressed over the years because of the bathroom issue Cudos to Rick for opening them up. And if you see someone abusing the bathroom, make a big stink!
When I see the state of the beach the morning after the fireworks I am appalled. Simply appalled!! If people can’t bother to clean up after themselves on the beach, why should we assume the bathrooms will be treated respectfully? I’ve been going sinch I was a kid – you bring home what you brought. Period!!
Thanks to Rick and Carmine for listening and offering hopefully a solution. Why not have these numerous young people the town hires to sit by the parking lots be bathroom monitors( not to clean them but to keep them safe from potential vandalism. As far as the beach litter how about “ if you see something ( like people leaving their trash) say something “
Rick Giunta is a gentleman and one who truly cares about the community. His quick and detailed response is just who he is and not a surprise. A good guy who cares and always wants to help out anyway he can.
Thanks Rick and Carmen I think it would be wise for our first selectwomen to listen to what you have to say I hope she promotes you to permanently as parks rec director Thanks Carmen. And rick from sal liccione rtm member district 9 parks and recreation of the rtm
The steady organized and attentive now interim director Rick Giunta with Carmen Roda and Mr. West have always looked to best serve the resident and visiting guests, even when some may view a decision to be unfair—but it’s also to protect the resident and the town.
The vandalism and thefts that occur, have no distinct pattern. They occur day and night. That’s a cost and an unpleasant experience for any resident.
The accessibility for patrons, a long standing plan that slowly progresses each year with each project being completed, is an amazing sight to see.
What is being proposed, under careful eye with new security technology and a well staffed department, will no doubt in my mind serve the public to the best…as they always have.
Rick & Carmen, here’s to another hopeful and quick responsive pleasant season. 🇺🇸
Its really amazing how one feels AFTER the Fall of ANY Ancien Regime (referencing Alexis de Tocqueville).