Public restrooms at Portland parks

The most common reasons include:

• Aging infrastructure: PP&R has a large maintenance backlog of repairs and needed upgrades, including restrooms . Maintenance staff prioritize restrooms and do their best to get them operational as quickly as possible.    
• Someone is using the facility: Sometimes people use restrooms for their intended purpose. Other times, they don't. If you witness inappropriate use of a restroom, call 311 or Park Ranger Dispatch (503-823-1637). If you witness a crime in progress or safety issue, call 911.
• Seasonal closure: Many restrooms are closed between mid-November and mid-March each year. See the restroom list above.
• Lockup: Parks have operating hours. Park facilities are typically closed in the evening, with most closing at 10pm. Many of our restrooms must be manually locked by Park Rangers each evening and reopened by maintenance staff each morning. Staff begin their day early but have multiple park restrooms they clean, assess, and open each morning.  

To remain fiscally responsible and keep restrooms operational, PP&R staff close and assess some restrooms during winter. Most of our restroom facilities are not heated and cannot withstand freezing temperatures without significant risk to the plumbing. Plumbing issues are expensive to fix.

Portable toilets are placed at parks for seasonal permitted events, short term events, programming, long term maintenance work, and when infrastructure allows for safe and accessible placement.

Restrooms are cleaned and serviced once a day, typically in the early morning. If you come across something in the afternoon or evening, staff will get it taken care of the next morning. 

If you witness a maintenance or safety issue, call 311 or complete our online form. If you witness a crime in progress or safety issue, call 911.