Baby changing tables are now available in the majority of public park toilets in New York City, the parks department declared on Thursday.
This year, the agency added 600 additional baby changing tables to the more than 1,200 already present in public park restrooms around the city, according to Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.
The landmark is three years ahead of the 2027 target set by a City Council ordinance that was enacted last year and mandates that “a safe, sanitary and convenient diaper changing station, deck, table or similar amenity” be present in almost every toilet within public parks in New York City. Restrooms that were too small to accommodate a diaper changing station or those that had seen persistent vandalism were not included in the measure.
“All parents and caregivers know that when your child’s diaper needs changing, having a clean and safe space is the bottom line,” Donoghue stated, as reported by The Gothamist. “The cleanliness and accessibility of our restrooms are top priorities for NYC Parks, ensuring New Yorkers can enjoy their time outdoors with comfort and convenience.”
The parks department, which manages most of the public restrooms in the Big Apple, launched a pilot initiative last year that included funding for $5.3 million to install new restrooms in five parks that did not have them before.
In 2020, changing tables were present in just 37% of the 1,300 public toilets that the organization oversees. Ninety percent of toilets, including gender-neutral and men’s facilities, now feature changing tables as a result of this year’s round of installations that followed the passing of Local Law 56.
