The Ballard Commons Park will soon have a permanent public restroom — the Portland Loo will be installed at the park by summer 2019.

The plan for the new toilet first came up three years ago; after extensive community outreach, Seattle Parks and Recreation determined that the Portland Loo would be the best toilet design because of its graffiti-resistant stainless steel walls and angled slats that make it partly open-air, which are designed to discourage drug use. It’s equipped by solar-powered lights and has an outdoor hand wash. Seattle Parks say the toilet will be installed in the southeast corner of the park.

Last year, Seattle and King County Public Health told Seattle Parks that the park’s water feature requires a public restroom within 100 feet. So, the loo must be installed before next summer or the water feature will be shut down.

Seattle Parks is holding an open house (meeting poster) to inform the public about the new toilet — on Saturday, Nov. 17, Parks staff will be in Ballard Commons from 11am to 3pm with information about the project.

Photo courtesy Portland Loo