New York City has opened five new public restrooms across the five boroughs as part of a $6 million pilot program to expand bathroom access in neighborhoods. Built by NYC Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks), the facilities, called “Portland Loos,” are prefabricated units that cost $1 million per location compared to at least $3.5 million for traditional public restroom construction. These units can be built up to a full year faster and include baby changing stations with full utility connections for year-round use.
The five new facilities are located at:
- Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx
- Irving Square Park in Brooklyn
- Thomas Jefferson Park in Manhattan
- Hoyt Playground in Queens
- Father Macris Park in Staten Island
Currently, 70 percent of New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk of over 700 restrooms managed by NYC Parks across the city. The city plans to build 46 new restrooms and renovate 36 existing facilities through 2029, with over $150 million invested in restroom infrastructure.
For official resources and information:
- Official announcement
- NYC Official Public Restroom Map
- NYC Parks Vital Parks Explorer Map
