Bathrooms Coming To Marcus Garvey Park Ball Fields, Parks Department Says

The city Parks Department said it is planning to start construction on a new bathroom for a Harlem park. just as a mother complained to NBC 4 New York that visitors have had nowhere to go for nearly four years ago.

The baseball fields at Marcus Garvey Park have been without bathrooms since 2012, said Heather Jackson, leaving little leaguers and rec teams to crowd into a single port-a-potty that is often padlocked. The only other option is a trek to a nearby recreation center that requires a $150 yearly membership or an ID when nature calls.

"I don't know too many 12-year-olds, 11-year-olds and 10-year-olds who have an ID," said Jackson.

The Parks Department said that it had been attempting to build new restrooms since 2012, but had to stop work because a contractor suffered financial problems.

But it said that a new bidding process is underway and that the new facilities should be under construction in the  fall.

“Providing a clubhouse for the Harlem Little League and a comfort station for its ballplayers and the many other visitors to historic Marcus Garvey Park is a priority for NYC Parks," the city said.

Jackson said she's skeptical that a new bathroom will be in place.

"I'm highly skeptical, but I'm hopeful," she said. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to say construction on bathrooms would begin this fall. 

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