7.3 PRSR 10-09-2019
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
7.3
Agenda Section
Action Item
Meeting Date
October 9, 2019
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Babcock Memorial Rest Area Portable Toilet
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Ron Nierenhausen, Police Chief
Action Requested
Discuss the need for a portable toilet at the Babcock Memorial Rest Area.
Recommend, by motion, the installation of an ADA portable toilet at the Babcock Memorial Rest Area
Background/Discussion
Roland Ring-Jarvi contacted staff in late August about the need for a portable toilet at the Babcock
Memorial Rest Area. He wanted to know why we have toilets in many of our parks, but not Babcock. It
was explained to him toilets at Babcock were removed because of public safety concerns.
The rest area is owned by MnDOT and we have a contract to maintain it. He requested the Commission
discuss the need for a portable toilet at Babcock. A portable toilet would, by law, need to be ADA
compliant.
The previous restroom structure was removed a few years ago following public safety concerns. Chief
Nierenhausen expressed the following concerns:
1. The police encountered numerous public sex acts. Interviews with those arrested found that
several online publications had Babcock Park as a destination for these types of activities.
2. Frequent criminal damage to property reports relating to the restroom.
3. The park required heavy police patrols. License plate checks found most cars were within a 50-
mile radius.
Financial Impact
The costs of additional police patrols and an ADA portable toilet installation.
Attachments
Babcock Memorial Rest Area Map