By Kira Erickson

South Whidbey Record

A Langley committee wants to be privy to the bathroom preferences of those who visit Seawall Park.

The Parks and Open Space Commission of Langley proposed installing a portable restroom in the waterfront park and then surveying users about how the experience went as well as their awareness of other places to seek relief.

At a city council meeting Monday, commission member Joann Quintana said the project would be directed with a questionnaire developed with the help of research professor and local citizen Trilby Coolidge and in partnership with Langley Public Works and Police departments.

The porta-potty pilot project, which would run May to October 2020, would be an opportunity to determine if building a permanent restroom at the park is a sensible idea or one that should be flushed.

“We’re trying to collect information to see if there would be a problem with having a restroom at Seawall Park,” Quintana said. “Some people are worried about drug use, crime.”

The temporary restrooms would be ADA accessible and provide swimmers and kayakers the space to change clothes. Quintana said this type of portable restroom was chosen based on input from Seawall Park meetings.

The pilot project would cost $225 per month, plus an additional one-time $80 installation fee. The portable toilet vendors, such as Honey Bucket, would provide maintenance and supplies.

The commission is currently searching for a site to put the portable restrooms.

“It’s tricky down there, because it needs to be placed on public, not private property,” Quintana said.

The commission requested that the council approve the funding. Councilwoman Dominique Emerson suggested the commission apply for tourism funding, which should be awarded prior to the project’s start.

The city is holding a budget workshop Nov. 12.