MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Half a million dollars was invested in renovating the public restrooms at Mud Island Park in downtown Memphis, but since April the public has been unable to use those restrooms.
The Memphis City Council wanted answers from the Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP), the nonprofit organization responsible for operating the park.
Built in 1982, Mud Island Park clearly shows its age.
Very few locals and tourists visit this dilapidated city center attraction. MRPP estimates that about 150 people cross the pedestrian bridge every day to explore it.
But the homeless have settled in the park and are using and abusing the fancy new toilets, says MRPP.
“I want to ask about the restrooms over there,” said Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington. “Are they usable? When I was there, they were locked.”
MRPP has spent more than $527,000 renovating restrooms at the Mud Island River Center, Museum and Gulf Grille.
Additionally, updates have been made to the water dispensers and water heaters, as well as improvements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“When we reopened them,” said Carol Coletta, president and CEO of MRPP, “they were quickly… I don’t want to say damaged… but the toilets were smeared with feces and blood everywhere.”
Coletta told the council that the homeless were now living in the toilets. She claims they had no choice but to clean up the mess and lock the doors.
Coletta said the run-down, rarely visited Mud Island Park is perfect for Memphis’ homeless.
“That’s mainly because there’s heating and air conditioning,” she said, “and a lot of places that are hidden and not easily visible, so we have to intervene quite heavily there.”
Coletta told the council that the restrooms would remain closed until a new restaurant called Mahogany opens at the old River Terrace location in the fall, which will bring more foot traffic.
The city’s chief operating officer, Antonio Adams, promised better maintenance.
“Can we have a plan right away?” asked Councilwoman Swearengen-Washington. “Start pressure washing and doing things to make it a little more… first class?”
“Basic maintenance,” Adams replied, “is something we can and will easily take care of.”
Memphis taxpayers told Action News 5 they wanted clean restrooms and more safety.
“People need to understand,” said M. Stringer, “that this needs to be addressed. That’s exactly why I don’t use public restrooms. I prefer to walk all the way home and use the restroom there.”
“You know, they (the homeless) have a right to come here and feel safe here. They can just enjoy themselves,” said Clifford Scott. “If there are more police officers patrolling the streets, I think that will make for a safer and a better, more decent environment.”
MRPP does not have security personnel for Mud Island Park.
Coletta said they are relying on the Memphis Police Department. And while the future of the old park remains uncertain, city leaders are well aware that changes are needed to make the attraction more attractive to locals and tourists.
“Families will be able to enjoy downtown,” Adams said. “That’s our mission. That’s our goal.”
Action News 5 reached out to MPD and asked about park patrols. We have not received a response.
Learn more about Mud Island restoration efforts
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