‘Extremely disappointed’: Vandalism shuts down Parksville public washroom indefinitely

The City of Parksville says it’s “extremely disappointed” after its public washroom facilities at the popular Parksville Community Park were damaged in two instances of vandalism, prompting the city to close the men’s portion of the facility indefinitely.

The new washroom building underwent a “soft opening” on March 27 so staff could practice daily procedures, along with Footprints Security, ahead of the busy summer season.

Because the washroom was still gearing up, the city chose to close it early at 7 p.m. However, on March 31, the facility was significantly damaged in two bouts of vandalism that day.

Sometime in the afternoon, a person or persons entered the men’s portion of the washroom and “completely ripped off” the door to the accessible stall, as well as the privacy separator between urinals, according to the city.

All of the soap dispensers were also torn off the walls and soap was smeared across the washroom.

The second instance of vandalism involved someone tagging the outside of the men’s washroom.

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Some of the graffiti is pictured. (City of Parksville)

“We are extremely disappointed [that] senseless destruction in the Parksville Community Park continues,” said the city in a release Thursday.

“The city was truly looking forward to being able to announce the opening of the new washroom building; however, the male washroom is now closed indefinitely.”

The municipality estimates that the damage to the facility costs at least $6,000, not including the time it will take staff to clean up the washrooms.

The incidents were reported to the Oceanside RCMP.

SEE ALSO: Dogs to be temporarily banned from Rathtrevor, Parksville Bay beaches amid geese migration

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