Surveys indicate restrooms are one of the most important amenities when visiting a park or natural area. The Parks Levy included a commitment to clean and keep public restrooms open. The Parks Levy is a five-year operating levy, approved by Portlanders in 2020, to provide critical funding for Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) operations, including enhancing access and equity to recreation and nature; preventing cuts to recreation programs and operational facilities; care for natural areas and the city’s urban forest; and maintaining parks. 

The total hours spent on restroom cleaning and care increased between FY 2021-22 and FY 2024-25, driven mostly by increased hours from additional staff for maintenance functions. This metric does not speak to the actual condition of restrooms as it is only focused on estimated hours of effort.

Data is sourced from:

1. PP&R's work order system;
2. Outside contracts for restroom loo cleaning; and,
3. Park Rangers hours spent for bathroom lock up

When using the work order system data, an estimate is derived for the time it takes to clean individual restrooms.  

For more information, see the Parks Levy Annual Reports.