[Photo shows sign taped to door of every portable restroom in Newtown parks.]
Persistent complaints from a resident prompted Newtown Township officials to recently install portable restrooms at township parks.
The parks had been without restroom facilities of any kind for several months because of fears their use might help spread the coronavirus, township officials said.
But resident Terry Halper said not providing any facilities could lead to unsanitary conditions. The portable restrooms were installed after Halper lodged frequent complaints with township Manager Micah Lewis and township supervisors, and contacted the Bucks County Health Department.
"Portable restrooms have been provided in parks where regular restrooms exist for the use of the public at their discretion," Lewis said. "The regular restrooms are not open due to the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and mandates,"
Township supervisor John Mack added "I think providing portable restrooms in our parks was a positive step to service the need of residents who use the parks during these difficult times. Obviously, it's always a good thing when the township responds to residents' concerns in a timely fashion, which was the case here."
But Halper said he was far from thrilled by the township's response despite the eventual installation of the portable restrooms.
"I shouldn't have to fight this hard to get sanitary facilities in parks," he said. "I think they need help in understanding public health issues."
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