DUBOIS – Restrooms and pavilions will be closed at the DuBois City Park, council decided at Monday night’s regular meeting.
Previously, city officials were considering leaving the heated restroom, located near the public pool, open.
However, they have since decided against it due to recent vandalism.
“I don’t know what else to do. They’re taking a beating,” commented City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio.
According to Suplizio, someone had repeatedly kicked the toilet paper dispensers in the restroom. There was also an attempt to start a fire inside the facility.
Similar vandalism has occurred in and on the park’s pavilions, he stated. The suspect(s) allegedly climbed onto the roofs and attempted to start fires in the pavilions with tree limbs.
“We’re just having trouble identifying who it is at night, even with the cameras,” explained DuBois City Police Chief Blaine D. Clark.
As a result, council voted to fence off the pavilions for the winter months and to close the restroom facilities.
Council members justified the fencing due to the lack of enforcement. It was noted so long as the pavilions weren’t rented, they were being used.
Council stated that by fencing off the pavilions and posting “no trespassing” signs, it would allow enforcement on part of the city.
Suplizio also suggested that it would be possible to open one restroom with a lock and timer for portions of the day.
In other business, Councilman Randy Schmidt announced that DuBois City will be hosting the Junior State Tournament for baseball starting in summer 2019. It will be held in DuBois for five years.
Councilwoman Diane Bernardo was excused from the meeting.