1
CITY OF REHOBOTH BEACH BOARDWALK AND BEACH COMMITTEE REPORT
DATE: September 24, 2018 TOPIC: PUBLIC RESTROOMS, AMENITIES AND CHANGING ROOMS VERSION: Final, of September 24, 2018
PRESENTATION DATE: Abbreviated oral presentation was offered at the Commissioners’ meeting of September 21, 2018. This is the final full length report referenced during the oral presentation.
At its inception the Boardwalk and Beach Committee solicited potential committee agenda topics from the Mayor, Commissioners, City Departments, members of the public and others.
Some of the specific “asks” identified included: Assess “[e]xisting locations of sanitary facilities … to determine any need for additional restroom capacity, particularly north of the Boardwalk.” Analyze sufficiency of public restrooms along the boardwalk and options if insufficient. (Presented by the Mayor and Commissioners individually.) Give consideration to installing restrooms on the South end of the boardwalk. (Presented by Chief Keith Banks, Rehoboth Beach Police Department.) Analyze the need for and examine the possibility of providing changing facilities. (Mayor and Commissioners, individually; Rehoboth Beach Patrol; members of the public; Delaware Avenue Kiosk visitor comments.) Give consideration to providing changing rooms in both public restrooms on the boardwalk (Baltimore and Delaware Avenue). Rehoboth Beach Patrol.
Based on the initial “asks” above the Committee took on a review of restrooms, restroom amenities and changing rooms under the following format. Public restroom sufficiency, regarding public rest rooms on the boardwalk available for boardwalkers, beachgoers and others. Sufficiency in number of fixtures in existing facilities located at the Baltimore, Rehoboth Avenue and Delaware Avenue locations. Sufficiency in number and locations of freestanding restroom facilities in the vicinity of the boardwalk and beach including identifying possible need for additional new facilities. Family restrooms. Analyze need for such facilities (since none currently exist city wide). Baby changing stations. Analyze need for specialized, dedicated baby changing stations. Changing rooms. Analyze need for dedicated rooms to change clothes.
The Committee would like to acknowledge and give thanks to main contributors of information related to these boardwalk and beach issues: Captain Kent Buckson of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol (RBP) shared over a decade’s worth of professional observations while headquartered on the Boardwalk sharing space at the Baltimore Avenue restroom building. Chief Keith Banks of the Rehoboth Beach Police Department similarly shared decade’s worth of professional observations. 2
Georgia Spade and other volunteers staffing the Information Kiosk located in the front of the Delaware Avenue restroom building who collectively not only shared personal observations about the goings-on about the boardwalk and the restroom facility there but also formally received, recorded and organized visitor comments. See same on attachment. Carol Everhart of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce who forwarded visitor comments the Chamber received related to the boardwalk and beach to the Committee. And others.
1. PUBLIC RESTROOM SUFFICIENCY – EXISTING FACILITIES AND POSSIBLE NEED FOR NEW FACILITY OR FACILITIES.
Background. There are three restroom buildings that service the public in the vicinity of the boardwalk and beach: Baltimore Avenue. Standard men’s and women’s restrooms. The RBP headquarters are also collocated in this building on the north side – they have a single unisex restroom and a single unisex shower for RBP use only. Restrooms are open seasonally Easter to Thanksgiving only. Restrooms are not capable of being open in the winter as currently outfitted. See floorplans. Delaware Avenue. Standard men’s and women’s restrooms. There also is a third auxiliary restroom situated between the men’s and women’s restrooms in this same building. Restrooms are open seasonally Easter to Thanksgiving only. Restrooms are not capable of being open in the winter as currently outfitted. See floorplans. Rehoboth Avenue (at the bandstand). Standard men’s and women’s restrooms. Restroom is open year round. See floorplans. Public restroom opportunities north of the boardwalk include five summer/seasonally available porta-potties — one handicap accessible unit and four standard units — in various locations within the Deauville Beach parking lot. They are unisex. Being mindful that the CDP recommends assessment of “[e]xisting locations of sanitary facilities … to determine any need for additional restroom capacity, particularly north of the Boardwalk” Boardwalk and Beach Committee Chair Stan Mills talked with David Mellen, Chair of the Planning Commission which developed the CDP. Mr. Mellen conveyed that that there is no memory of how the reference to “north” was inserted into the CDP recommendation although it was thought to stem from enough public comment to warrant inclusion in the CDP. Chief Keith Banks, Rehoboth Beach Police Department, indicated that his rationale for suggesting consideration of installing public restrooms in “the south” was to eliminate public urination which at times has been problematic in the south.
The concerns and evaluation criteria relative to public restroom sufficiency identified by the Committee include: Are the existing public restroom facilities at Baltimore, Delaware and Rehoboth Avenues adequate relative to number of persons they can accommodate (i.e. is the number of stalls/fixtures adequate) such that waiting lines are minimized? 3
Does lack of restroom availability in the south and north promote “going” in the dunes and bushes? Are public restroom facilities needed in the south? Are public restroom facilities needed in the north (north boardwalk area and/or Deauville Beach area)?
Committee analysis relative to restroom sufficiency noted: Lines that form outside existing restrooms are one indicator that more stalls/fixtures would alleviate the wait lines. There does not appear to be any room within existing restrooms to add more stalls/fixtures. That people have been observed relieving themselves on private property in the south near Prospect Street and in the dunes in the north, near Oak Avenue, for instance, might be indicators that closer available restroom facilities are warranted. Exactly how to determine if additional fixtures are needed in existing facilities, how to determine if an additional new facility or facilities are needed and design of any remediation – modifications or new facilities – is beyond the capabilities of the Committee. The porta-potties used at the Deauville Beach parking lot are of “standard” non-flushing design and are unisex. Porta-potties can be obtained in a variety of colors and even contain water tanks and flush mechanisms. In addition to porta-potty units, portable toilet facilities are available in a variety of configurations and sizes and can contain water tanks for use with porcelain toilets and sinks. These types of units appear to be “too upgrade, too nice” for beach use and they appear to be non-handicap accessible. (Need verification.) Other city maintained public restrooms are located a “good hike” from the boardwalk and beach at: Grove Park. Open year round. City Hall. Open year round during business hours and special events. North appears to lend itself more to consideration of adding restrooms than in the south. Consider preservation of easterly views of ocean and beach at street ends when considering placement of new or modification to existing facilities. Consider if you build a new restroom building that parking close to the restroom may impact the surrounding area. Some lines at Rehoboth Avenue restrooms may be a result of the time of year when the Baltimore and Delaware Avenue restrooms are closed. Often see waiting lines at restrooms – and primarily for women’s restrooms – during special events. Existing restroom facilities incur maintenance expenses. Modifications to existing restrooms and new facilities will require capital expenses in addition to maintenance expenses. How to fund and who pays needs consideration.
Specific to the existing restroom facility at Delaware Avenue: Unique only to this restroom facility is that there is an auxiliary restroom positioned between the men’s and women’s rooms that can be used to provide an 4
extra men’s or women’s room facilitated by the strategic opening and closing of various doors. Expansion of this facility does not appear feasible as the footprint appears maximized unless able to extend into the street.
Specific to the existing restroom facility at Rehoboth Avenue: This is the only facility currently with heat so that is can be open year round. Expanding the footprint of this facility does not appear feasible as the streets, war memorial and patio provide constraints.
Specific to the existing restroom facility at Baltimore Avenue: Unique to this restroom building the RBP is headquartered within the building on the north side. Expansion opportunities for this facility might include expanding the footprint to the south or north or into the southeast “L” corner of the building. Additionally utilization of a portion of the RBP headquarters might be feasible if the RBP is expanded upward to a second floor or rearward/westerly.
Specific to the lack of restroom facilities in the south (of Delaware Avenue) boardwalk and beach areas: With the potential to have to walk a very long distance to the nearest public restroom (e.g. twice the distance in the south than in the north) in the absence of good planning quick relief (in the bushes) too often is sought by visitors which becomes a public health issue. A visitor positioned near the south end of the boardwalk at Prospect Street with the urge to “go” will have to walk 11 blocks to the closest restroom at Delaware Avenue. Chief Banks reported on problems in the past with public urination in the vicinity of the south tip of the boardwalk at Prospect Street. A resident of Prospect Street stated that the porta-potties at construction sites on his street were so well used by visitors that they have filled up and overflowed at times. Some public urination has taken place on empty/unbuilt residential lots in the past. Today three of the four then vacant lots are now built up – where to “go” now? A need for restroom facilities of some type in the south is demonstrated. Consider use of portable toilet trailers which are an improvement on porta-potties, however... There is no city owned property in the south that would accommodate a restroom building or a portable toilet trailer. The southern vehicular entrance to the beach at Prospect Street does not appear large enough to accommodate a trailer nor porta-potties without displacing bicycle racks or encroaching into the beach assess way. 5
It was noted that this is a residential area.
Specific to the lack of restroom facilities in the north (of Baltimore Avenue extending to Deauville Beach) boardwalk and beach areas: Depending on where a visitor is located when they get the urge “to go” they may have to walk up to five blocks if located midway between the Baltimore Avenue restroom and the Deauville Beach parking lot. With the potential to have to walk a very long distance to the nearest public restroom (e.g. twice the distance in the south than in the north) in the absence of good planning quick relief too often is sought by visitors in the dunes which becomes a public health issue. Locals have reported on beachgoers relieving themselves in the dunes at Pennsylvania and Oak Avenues. Porta-potties are located in the Deauville Beach parking lot but are emptied only three days a week versus daily lending to the yuck factor of smells and too high a level of effluent. Cleanliness of the units otherwise generally is acceptable; however consideration should be given to daily servicing. Besides beachgoers other facility users might be tennis players and the parking attendants. There appears to be sufficient land to accommodate a new freestanding restroom facility at the Deauville Beach parking area, Surfside/Mariner’s Park, Gerar Park, City land abutting the boardwalk and abutting the Via to the south. The Committee looked at a variety of freestanding restroom building exteriors that illustrate architecture that befits a beachside environment, small sizes and which could house a ticket window, an ATV or other equipment. See slides. The volunteers at the Delaware Avenue Kiosk did not receive any notes from visitors relative to the need for additional restroom capacity. However a member of the public attending a Boardwalk and Beach Committee meeting said that as a Mom with children that use the tot lot at Gerar Park she would love a restroom facility in that area. Consider protecting views of the ocean and beach, major city assets, at street ends when considering modification of existing facilities or placement of new facilities. Costs to implement any ideas above? Unknown.
Recommendations will incorporate restroom sufficiency, specialty restrooms and amenities and changing rooms and follow analysis of all the topics – see below.
2. PUBLIC FAMILY RESTROOMS.
The concerns and evaluation criteria relative to public family restroom availability identified by the Committee include: There are no public family restrooms in the city. Family restrooms may or may not have stalls but are large enough to accommodate multiple persons. 6
Existing restrooms do not accommodate multiple persons in a standard stall, do not adequately accommodate multiple persons in a handicap stall and nor do they accommodate persons of opposite sex together in a restroom. Visitors are asking for family restroom facilities so they are able to accompany and assist someone into the restroom, such as a father accompanying a young daughter or an able- bodied adult accompanying a disabled adult of same or opposite sex. See letter from resident John Dewey and dated August 26, 2018. Also see Kiosk visitor comments.
Committee analysis noted: 1. The volunteers at the Delaware Avenue Kiosk have documented ample visitor requests for family restrooms, such as from one visitor “Why is there no family restroom? Single fathers with young daughters have a problem with this, along with elderly couples with one in a wheelchair.” See Delaware Avenue Kiosk data. 2. Family changing rooms are very important, needed, very functional and provide potentially insurmountable challenges if you don’t have one. Having no public family restrooms in the City puts those in need in an awkward position. 3. Need is demonstrated. 4. A family restroom likely needs its own separate entrance rather than located within a restroom. 5. Costs? Unknown.
3. SPECIALTY PUBLIC RESTROOM AMENITIES — BABY CHANGING STATIONS. The concerns and evaluation criteria relative to specialty restroom amenities identified by the Committee include: In our three public restrooms, some but not all men’s rooms and some but not all women’s rooms have built in tables. Such tables may have been intended to serve as baby changing stations but do not have the features of official baby changing stations including child protection straps and do not appear to be ADA compliant. Therefore it is questioned that these tables should serve as baby changing stations. The tables do not give the appearance of being sanitary compared to the official baby changing stations.
Committee analysis noted: The statistics at the Delaware Avenue Kiosk were absent any mention of baby changing tables. For what purpose the existing built-in tables were made is unknown — they may or may not have been designed for use as baby changing stations. The existing tables are void of safety features. The installation of official baby changing stations can remediate all concerns above. Costs. Polypropylene units can cost $200.00 each; combination polypropylene and stainless steel units can cost $400.00 each depending on manufacturer. Dedicated units look more inviting; look cleaner/more sanitary than what exists now. 7
Of the existing tables, many have items stored under them which can interfere with achieving ADA compliance.
4. CHANGING ROOMS.
The concerns and evaluation criteria relative to public changing room availability identified by the Committee include:
Visitors are asking for changing rooms in order to change clothes — primarily changing from wet and sandy bathing suits into street clothes — before driving home or to feel more comfortable in extending their stay in the city, e.g. by going out to dinner or to go shopping. There are no rooms near the boardwalk and beach (nor in the City) dedicated for visitors to change clothes.
Committee analysis noted: In the absence of changing rooms those committed to changing clothes resort do so by changing clothes in a stall in a public restroom, changing in their cars or between cars or changing creatively screened by a towel. The volunteers at the Delaware Avenue Kiosk have documented ample visitor requests for changing rooms in the years 2011-2016 and 2018 (2017 records absent). See Kiosk reports. No other boardwalk towns were identified that provided changing rooms (except one small boardwalk town in New Jersey that had either a city run or privately run shower/locker in a store front). Changing rooms are a different animal than the other restroom topics. The city does not have space for everything. A member reported that the DART park and ride has a restroom facility with hose to wash feet and while they do not promote it they allow changing of clothes. Questions posed but unanswered (forward to consultant): Will visitors pay to use changing rooms? Are attendants required to prevent abuse of the rooms? Where should changing rooms be located? On the beach as an add-on to the existing concessionaire shacks? Along the boardwalk? Within existing restrooms? Within a new restroom building complex? If located within existing restrooms will they interfere with use of the restrooms? Will they increase wait line length? Increase time to get in and out? What impact does the absence of dedicated changing rooms have on visitors? Changing rooms are often associated with lockers. How far to go with changing rooms. Place for people to store their umbrellas, coolers.
RECOMMENDATIONS relative to Committee analysis of restroom sufficiency, specialty family restrooms and amenities and changing rooms.
8
1. The Committee believes we may need additional facilities but that the Committee is not equipped with the expertise to fulfill proper analysis and to be able adequately to judge the need, and, if need is validated, to then address the design questions of where and how to address expanding of existing facilities or construction of a new facility or facilities. There is agreement to the City Manager’s mention of the possibility of hiring a consultant/designer/engineer to conduct further analysis on whether or not additional restroom capacity is required, whether via modifications or additions to existing facilities and/or the construction of a new building(s) and if needed then to commence design. Additionally the Committee believes that the consultant group’s scope of work could include analysis of family restrooms, specialty amenities and changing rooms. The Committee welcomes and is committed to working with the consultant group to provide insight and feedback. 2. Regardless of outcome of restroom capacity/sufficiency analyses, plan for and fund 1) the design of and 2) the construction of one or more public family restrooms. One or more family restrooms are needed and should be available on a year round basis wherever located – the sooner the better. Consideration of adding one or more family restrooms could include analysis of modifying existing restroom facilities and/or inclusion in any new facility(s) considered. In the absence of adding one or more family restrooms at the Rehoboth Avenue location that could be open year round, consideration should be given to inclusion at another location or locations with such location(s) being open on a year round basis. 3. Install new bona fide baby changing stations in all the restroom facilities in both the men’s and women’s rooms. (One unit in each restroom – men’s and women’s.) Install to meet ADA standards. Any new restroom facilities should include official dedicated baby changing stations. 4. For events and special activities that consistently cause wait lines to form, consider requiring the activity sponsors to furnish portable toilets according to established specifications for types and placement. 5. Have Deauville Beach parking lot porta-potties emptied and cleaned daily.
POSSIBILITIES. Acknowledging that the Committee does not have the expertise to gather all appropriate data and to fully analyze some of the topics, we offer, however, our thoughts on the possibilities for consideration in moving forward.
“Possibilities” specific to restroom sufficiency. 1. Think outside the box and broader. Is it time to consider construction of a new restroom facility to accommodate a greater base of users? Beachgoers, boardwalkers and bicyclists – both local bikers and those doing the “loop” between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach? 2. Locations that could be analyzed for construction of a new restroom facility, if warranted include Deauville Beach parking lot, Lake Gerar Park area close to boardwalk, city owned lot abutting the VIA property to the south and Surfside Place median. 3. New restroom facilities need not be large – see photos attached. 4. New restroom facilities might allow for multiple uses: standard and family restrooms, changing rooms, showers (shower heads, not shower stalls). 5. New facilities might demand use of attendants. 6. Consider utilizing portable trailer restrooms for trial evaluation periods. 9
Possibilities” specific to family restrooms (specialty restrooms): 1. Consideration of adding one or more family restrooms could include analysis of modifying existing restroom facilities and/or inclusion in any new facility(s) considered. The Rehoboth Avenue/bandstand location does not appear to lend itself to putting in a family restroom and yet this should be considered a prime location for a family restroom because of its central location and year round availability. The Delaware Avenue restroom location does not appear to lend itself to putting in a family restroom via an addition to the building yet the auxiliary restroom could be analyzed for feasibility of converting to family restroom(s). The Baltimore Avenue restroom building could be analyzed for feasilbity of 1) utilizing a portion of the RBP headquarters/locker room for a family restroom (if the displaced RBP possibly were relocated to a new second floor space) and/or 2) adding onto the rear of the building, and/or 3) construction of an addition in the “L” of the southeast corner of the building. (If #2 is considered, retain two first floor spaces for use by the RBP: walk-up information window and walk-up medical space.)
Possibilities” specific to changing rooms: Consider within consultant’s analysis of restroom sufficiency, etc.
IN CLOSING.
The Boardwalk and Beach Committee is pleased to present this report. The Committee is available to do further analysis on the topics noted as well as to work alongside and/or provide feedback to a consultant on the matters noted.
Respectfully submitted by the Boardwalk and Beach Committee:
Guy Abernathey Honey Fisher Mark Henschke Stan Mills, Frank Cole Gary Glass Jimmy Horty III Commissioner, Chair Steve Curson Brian Hancock Allison Stine
For more data and analysis notes, please see Committee chair.
Please see slides and attachments below which illustrate: city owned/controlled properties; restroom building exteriors, floorplans for existing restrooms, types of portable toilets (freestanding and trailer units), small restroom buildings in other boardwalk towns, Kiosk data and a letter from a resident asking for consideration of installing a family restroom.
9/26/2018
Slides to accompany Boardwalk and Beach Committee Report on Restrooms, Specialty Restrooms, Restroom Amenities and Changing Rooms
September 24, 2018
Restrooms
• Sufficiency
• Specialty restrooms & amenities
• Changing Rooms
1 9/26/2018
Restrooms
Sufficiency
• Number/location of facilities • Number of fixtures • Type of facility?
PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES NEAR THE BOARDWALK & BEACH
DEAUVILLE BALTIMORE AVE REHOBOTH AVE DELAWARE AVE BEACH RESTROOM RESTROOM RESTROOM PORTA-POTTIES BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING (5)
2 9/26/2018
SEE SEPARATE DOCUMENTS:
• FLOORPLANS OF PUBLIC RESTROOMS NEAR THE BOARDWALK & BEACH
• EXTERIOR PHOTOS OF SAME
(Attached separately to Report)
FROM RBP CAPT. BUCKSON: CONSIDERADDING AN OBSERVATION DECK OR SECOND FLOOR AT CURRENT RBP HEADQUARTERS, BALTIMORE AVENUE
THIS IS MENTIONED IN RESTROOM REPORT BUT ALSO CURRENTLY IS BEING CONSIDERED MORE FULLY BY THE BOARDWALK AND BEACH COMMITTEE
3 9/26/2018
PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES AT DEAUVILLE BEACH
1S 1S 1S
1S + 1H LEGEND: S = STANDARD PORTA-POTTY H = HANDCIAP PORTA-POTTY
DEAUVILLE BEACH PARKING LOT PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES
4 9/26/2018
DEAUVILLE BEACH PARKING LOT PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES
DEAUVILLE BEACH PARKING LOT PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES
Long way to get to the handicap Porta-Potti
Porta-Potties cleaned 3x/week
5 9/26/2018
DEAUVILLE BEACH PARKING LOT PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES
A VARIETY OF PORTA-POTTIES AND PORTABLE RESTROOM TRAILERS ARE AVAILABLE…
6 9/26/2018
THE VIP FLUSHING TOILET
7 9/26/2018
Our 16’ Trailer comes in both Basic and Presidential interiors Accommodates up to a 100 Guests Contains: • 2 Stalls on the Ladies Side • 1 Stall On the Men’s Side +1 Urinal • Flushing porcelain toilets • Fresh water sinks • Interior Lighting • Heat and Air conditioning • 16′ Long (24′ with hitch) • 8′ Wide (12′ with steps extended) • 12′ High • This unit arrives stocked with toilet paper, paper towels and hand soap. • Requires 4- 110V-20 Amp is the proper way of spacing.
http://www.aroyalflush.com/trailers/8-trailer/
8 9/26/2018
9 9/26/2018
VARIETY OF SMALL RESTROOM BUILDINGS
OCEAN CITY, MD AT NORTH TIP OF BOARDWALK
10 9/26/2018
11 9/26/2018
12 9/26/2018
City owned lots Near the boardwalk (south of rehoboth avenue)
None
REFERENCE: REHOBOTH AVENUE
City owned or leased lots Near the north boardwalk “DEAUVILLE MARINER’S LOT SOUTH BEACH” PARK OF VIA
REFERENCE: REHOBOTH AVENUE
13 9/26/2018
“DEAUVILLECity owned MARINER’S properties LOT SOUTH BEACH”Near PARK the boardwalkOF VIA
LAKE GERAR PARK
DEAUVILLE BEACH
14 9/26/2018
Restrooms
Specialty restrooms & amenities
DELUXE FAMILY RESTROOM
15 9/26/2018
FAMILY RESTROOM(S) NEED NOT HAVE CHILD AND ADULT SIZED FIXTURES AS LONG AS ROOM IS LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE MULTIPLE USERS AT THE SAME TIME
WALL MOUNTED BABY CHANGING STATIONS
CHILD PROTECTION SEAT
16 9/26/2018
Changing Rooms
17 9/26/2018
CHANGING ROOMS. FEW FOUND IN BOARDWALK TOWNS.
BELMAR, NJ (?). LOCKER ROOMS ASSOCIATED WITH OCEANSIDE POOL COMPLEX
18 9/26/2018
PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES NEAR THE BOARDWALK & BEACH
DEAUVILLE BALTIMORE AVE REHOBOTH AVE DELAWARE AVE BEACH RESTROOM RESTROOM RESTROOM PORTA-POTTIES BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING (5)
SUFFICIENT ?
THANK YOU !
19 REHOBOTH AVENUE RESTROOMS FACILITY
BANDSTAND/BOARDWALK
REAR
FRONT DELAWARE AVENUE RESTROOMS & INFORMATION KIOSK
REAR
FRONT PUBLIC RESTROOMS & RBP HEADQUARTERS BALTIMORE AVENUE
REAR
FRONT BANDSTAND AND OCEAN
BANDSTAND EQUIPMENT ROOM
PLUMBING AND EQUIPMENT ROOM
WOMEN’S MEN’S ROOM ROOM TABLE TOPTABLE TABLE TOPTABLE
ENTRANCE ENTRANCE
REHOBOTH AVENUE RESTROOM BUILDING AT THE BANDSTAND
DO NOT SCALE—HAND DRAWN WITHOUT MEASURING FOR CONCEPT ONLY INFORMATION KIOSK BOARDWALK
STORAGE
MEN’S ENTRANCE WOMEN’S ENTRANCE
DOORS MEN’S PREDOMINANTLY ROOM OPEN FOR USE AS AN AUXILIARY WOMENS’ WOMEN’S RESTROOM ROOM
ROLL UP DOOR— CLOSED WHEN IN USE BY MEN
AUX. ROOM ENTRANCE 2— CLOSED WHEN AUX. ROOM IN USE BY AUXILIARY RESTROOM ENTRANCE 1— WOMEN CLOSED IF AUX. EN- TRANCE 1 IS OPEN FOR SOLID LINES MEN’S USE INDICATE DELAWARE AVENUE LIGHTING LAYOUT - RESTROOM BUILDING IGNORE BOARDWALK + BEACH PATROL HEADQUARTERS RESTROOM BUILDING BALTIMORE AVENUE
BEACH PATROL HEADQUARTERS SHOWER
CLOSET
BEACH PATROL HEADQUARTERS
OUTDOOR BEACH PATROL PATIO
From: John Dewey
Dear Ms. Womack, Please forward this message to the members of the Beach and Boardwalk Committee. Thank you, John Dewey
Dear Committee Members,
I recently hosted my sister and her husband for a visit, both of whom must use wheelchairs for mobility. Additionally, my sister is unable to push herself without assistance. She needed to use a bathroom while we were on the boardwalk. The best I could do was to get her to the entrance to the women's restroom, give her a push through the door, and hope for the best. Relying on the kindness of strangers is not the most dignified way to take care of one's personal needs. Being an old guy with white hair and hanging out near the women's rest room in case she calls for help is also not the best. The looks I get from folks, well, you can imagine.
Please consider adding Family Use Restrooms to existing facilities. Contemporary practices require this access for persons with disabilities, adults with young children, and persons who may be transgender.
I would also like to note that, contrary to the experiences of some who have posted on social media, I have found Rehoboth businesses to be exceptionally welcoming to my sister and her husband and have done all they can to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
Please feel welcome to reach out to me directly with your feedback or to include me in any way that may be of assistance to make Rehoboth a more positive and accessible place.
Sincerely yours, John Dewey 105 Scarborough Ave. [email protected]
Sent from my iPad