"There was a time when Runyon Canyon Park was primarily visited by locals, a true wilderness oasis in the hills overlooking Hollywood's bright lights. But in the last few decades, it's become one of Los Angeles' most popular hiking destinations with an estimated 2 million visitors a year. And yet, thousands of visitors each day have no access to a nearby bathroom."
"Anastasia Mann, president of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council, said many residents who live near the project location are concerned that the permanent restrooms will bring unwelcome smells, attract homeless people and further increase foot traffic, which could raise the risk of crime, fires - a recent issue in the park - and add more environmental strain across its 160 acres."
Runyon Canyon Park has shifted from a local wilderness oasis to one of Los Angeles' most visited hiking destinations, drawing an estimated 2 million visitors annually. Thousands of daily visitors currently lack nearby restroom facilities. City officials plan to install a prefabricated permanent restroom at the park in a nearly $1-million project expected to be completed by next summer. The project received formal approval last year after debate, surveys and public meetings. Local residents and a group called the Runyon Canyon Guardians oppose the plan, calling it fiscally irresponsible and a public safety impediment and citing concerns about odors, homelessness, increased foot traffic, crime, fires and environmental strain across the park's 160 acres.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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