City Council Investigates Locked Restrooms at Mud Island Park

Memphis, TN – Imagine walking into a beautifully renovated restroom while visiting a park, a sigh of relief as you find it clean and accessible. Unfortunately, for those venturing into the recently revamped bathrooms at Mud Island Park, this has not been the case. Since April, these restrooms have remained locked, leaving park-goers and city council members scratching their heads. This situation has prompted the city council to dig deeper into why the public isn’t able to use this vital facility, especially after a hefty investment of over $527,000 in renovations.

The ongoing dilemma revolves around the park’s apparent decline in public accessibility. Mud Island Park, which has been a staple since its opening in 1982, has seen better days. The park, designed with a unique monorail for visitors to cross the harbor to the park, unfortunately now sits in disrepair following the monorail’s shutdown in 2018. Now, it appears that only about 150 visitors a day are brave enough to cross the pedestrian bridge to check out the space.

So, what led to the locking of the restrooms? According to the Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP), the non-profit responsible for the park’s operations, the situation escalated when unhoused individuals began using the newly renovated restrooms for shelter. During her questioning of MRPP officials, Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington expressed frustration at finding the restrooms locked during her visit. “Are they useable? When I went over there, they were locked up,” she remarked.

In a report to the city council, MRPP President & CEO Carol Coletta revealed some shocking details. “When we reopened them, they were quickly… I don’t want to say damaged… but feces and blood was smeared all over the restrooms,” she explained. Coletta stated that they had no choice but to clean up the mess and lock the restrooms to prevent further issues. With the park being perfect for the unhoused due to its heating and cooling amenities, it has created a significant challenge for the management team.

With worries about cleanliness and safety, the City’s Chief Operating Officer Antonio Adams assured the council that better maintenance strategies would be employed. “We can immediately have a plan? Starting to power wash and do things so that it can be a little bit more… first class?” Swearengen-Washington questioned. Adams confidently replied, “Basic maintenance… we can and will address, no problem.” This acknowledgment rings loud and clear with those who frequent the park or hope to do so in the future.

The community’s response has been charged with frustration and concern. Many residents have openly expressed their worries about the state of the bathrooms and the park itself. One local, M. Stringer, conveyed his reluctance to use public restrooms, saying, “People need to start realizing, you’ve got to take care of that. I would rather go all the way home and use the bathroom.” Another local, Clifford Scott, added a different perspective. “You know, they [the homeless] have a right to come here and feel safe here, just enjoy themselves,” he emphasized, suggesting that increased police patrolling would help ensure safety for everyone.

The absence of park security is another factor complicating the situation. Currently, the MRPP relies on Memphis police for assistance, but it remains to be seen if that will change. While the future of Mud Island Park appears uncertain, city leaders understand the urgency of making this location more appealing for residents and tourists, alike.

With plans for a new restaurant, Mahogany, set to open in the fall at the old River Terrace location, there’s hope that it will draw more foot traffic and potentially reinvigorate the already struggling park. However, whether or not this will lead to a reopening of the restrooms and a better state of the park still looms large on the minds of the community.

As the investigation unfolds and the city considers its next steps, both locals and city officials are pondering the key questions: How do we balance the needs for public amenities like clean restrooms while also ensuring a safe environment for all? It’s a complex issue facing urban spaces across the nation, and the response here in Memphis will surely be watched closely by many.

In the meantime, as the city and MRPP work together to restore Mud Island Park, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes everyone’s needs—a clean and accessible park that can be enjoyed by families, tourists, and the unhoused alike.