Neighbors say the porta potty was removed months ago and hasn’t been replaced. They’re worried it could become a health issue.

SAN DIEGO — Neighbors who frequent Lake Murray Community Park say a basic necessity has been taken away. A porta potty that served parkgoers for years was removed several months ago and never replaced.

The park, located beside Lake Murray and surrounded by residential neighborhoods, is a popular daily gathering spot for families, children, and seniors. Many say the loss of restroom access is making longer visits difficult and could eventually lead to health and sanitation concerns.

“There’s a group of guys, seniors actually, and we meet here on Fridays at noon,” said Bill Sperling, who has visited the park for many years. “We bring our chairs and sit around here and just enjoy each other’s company.”

Sperling says the porta potty was conveniently located near the playground and park area and was frequently used.

“This is where the porta potty was, and it was used quite often,” he said, showing CBS 8 where it once stood. “It was very convenient because it was very close to the playground and the park area. It was used a lot and it’s gone. It disappeared.”

Neighbors say the restroom was removed a few months ago. Since then, they’ve raised repeated concerns with city officials, particularly about children and families who spend hours at the park.

“We were more concerned about the young kids and the families not having access to a porta potty,” Sperling said.

Sperling contacted City Councilmember Raul Campillo’s office, hoping the issue could be resolved quickly. Instead, he was told the situation was more complicated.

“The response was there is no money left, there was a contract that expired, and so as a result we do not have a porta potty,” he said.

CBS 8 reached out to the City of San Diego and the Parks and Recreation Department. City officials said the removal was part of a department-wide reduction in porta potty services, a move approved by the City Council. According to the city, the porta potty at Lake Murray Community Park cost $360 a month to maintain, or about $4,300 a year.

Ken Reifman, who has lived in the area for nearly 60 years, says the absence of a restroom affects more than just convenience.

“If it doesn’t get resolved, it becomes a health issue for this area,” Reifman said. “These kids need a place to go when they have to go.”

The City says if and when funding becomes available, the porta potty could be reinstated, but there is currently no timeline for its return.

CBS 8 will continue to follow this story.

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