Believe it or not, the Tompkins Square Park bathrooms have officially reopened

It’s been a long time coming, but the Field House at Tompkins Square Park is back—and the bathrooms are finally something to talk about. No more dodging the restroom situation or mentally preparing for a scene from Trainspotting.

After a $5.6 million renovation, the beloved East Village park is sporting an upgraded facility ready to handle everything from summer picnics to after-work strolls with a level of cleanliness and accessibility that we can all appreciate.

"By modernizing the public restrooms, ensuring accessibility, upgrading the building's infrastructure and creating a more functional space for park operations, we are making crucial improvements to this beloved local landmark,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue in an official statement.

The upgrades go beyond just the bathrooms, of course. The building also now boasts ADA-compliant ramps, new entryways and modernized facilities like first aid rooms and lifeguard locker rooms.

But let’s be real: it’s all about the restrooms. The revamped facilities are part of a city-wide "Better Bathrooms" initiative, designed to improve more than 70 public bathrooms across New York. In other words, officials want to set the gold standard for public park restrooms.

Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, a longtime fan of the park, echoed the sentiments of many East Village parents.

“My kids used this park year after year for parties and the sprinklers during the summer,” Epstein said. “The public bathrooms were used by all until they got too run-down. It will be great to have the new bathrooms ready for use for individuals and families this summer.” 

But it’s not just about function. The north side of the Field House has also been given a makeover, with new picnic tables, kid-friendly games and a vibrant refresh of the Slocum Memorial Fountain. Plus, volunteers have added decorative plantings to liven up the space.

Thanks to the spendy renovation funded by the Mayor’s office, Tompkins Square Park is now more accessible, more inviting and—let’s face it—much more flushable. So next time you’re in the park, take a moment to appreciate the luxury of clean, functional bathrooms in one of NYC’s busiest parks.