Panhandle Restroom Is Open (msg from PROSF)

PANHANDLE RESTROOM IS OPEN

Friday, May 5 at a noon ceremony, the ribbon was cut to open a brand new, sparkling clean facility which although long in coming is most appreciated. Rose Dennis, assistant to Park Director Yomi Agunbiadi introduced her boss who thanked those attending and those responsible for the building. Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi then spoke of what an asset this restroom is for the neighborhood and commended neighborhood involvement in driving its completion.

Two children who represented all those children who use the playground and will benefit from the restroom, cut the ribbon to enthusiastic applause. All were then free to check out facilities. Both have changing tables, stainless steel partitions, plenty of light and ventilation.

PROSF also wants to thank all who were involved in completion of this structure, especially Keith Kawamura who directed the project and was at all times helpful and accessible to the community. Although Keith was not at the ceremony, Park Superintendant Gloria Koch-Gonzalez, our hard-working gardener, David Sternenberg and NOPNA president Leela Gill were present and merit our thanks. Tys Sniffen of NOPNA who was a pioneer in this project has left the area - to our loss.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Our job as neighbors who benefit from this facility is to help keep the toilet functioning, clean and safe. Gloria Koch- Gonzalez recommends neighborhood walk-bys several times a day if possible. She is also trying to effect 2 cleanings a day by custodians instead of one. She can't predict the cleaning times or the lock-up times since the park rangers have a schedule for locking many restrooms "at dusk". She invites every neighbor or family to adopt a bench in the Panhandle to keep it litter free and to be a responsible presence in the park. Call Gloria for small repairs, questions and more information at 831-6307.

Captain John Ehrlich was also present and urges neighbors to call 911 or Park Police at 242-3000 for suspicious activity or complaints of any kind.

PROSF members are working on a Parent's Group, a quarterly clean-up around the basketball court and a liason with the Kevin Collins Gardeners, Friends of the Panhandle and NOPNA. We will keep you abreast on these projects.