A new initiative in Eugene aims to identify and map public restrooms, water fountains and handwashing stations across the city to improve access to sanitation services.
The effort, known as Project Sanitation Justice, will create a comprehensive map of hygiene facilities to help residents locate them while also providing city leaders with data to improve cleanliness, safety and accessibility.
Surveying public facilities across the city
The project is being led by Sarah Koski, a community liaison with the Lane Transit District.
During a recent survey near the Eugene riverfront, Koski inspected a Portland Loo, a durable public toilet model designed for urban areas.
While evaluating the facility, she checked for essential sanitation features such as toilet paper, structural condition and cleanliness. The site also included a sharps disposal container, a handwashing station and enough space for individuals using mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers.
After reviewing the facility, Koski determined it met safety and accessibility standards.
Highlighting sanitation access and equity
Koski said the project is also intended to raise awareness about sanitation challenges, particularly issues such as period poverty, which affects people who lack access to menstrual hygiene products and safe restroom facilities.
Because she frequently collects data and coordinates volunteers documenting restroom conditions, Koski joked that she has earned the nickname “The Bathroom Gal.”
Teams participating in the project work in pairs, using smartphones and tablets to record the location and condition of sanitation facilities. The information will eventually be shared through an open-source mapping platform.
Public restrooms serve many groups
Koski noted that people experiencing homelessness often rely on public restrooms, but they are not the only users.
Tourists, seniors and employees on lunch breaks also depend on accessible public facilities when they are away from home.
The project is already collaborating with organizations including the City of Eugene, the University of Oregon, and Lane County Homelessness and Poverty Board.
Inspired by a San Diego research project
The Eugene initiative is modeled after a similar program developed by San Diego State University researcher Megan Welsh Carroll.
That project began in 2020 and promotes the idea that access to clean water, toilets and hygiene resources is a fundamental public health need.
According to organizers, Eugene is the first city outside San Diego to adopt the model.
Open data and community involvement
Data collected through the program will be published using OpenStreetMap, allowing updates whenever conditions change, such as temporary restroom closures during construction.
In addition to mapping facilities, the initiative plans to host community forums and collect stories from residents about their experiences accessing sanitation services.
Koski is currently recruiting volunteers and hopes to eventually expand the program to nearby communities including Springfield and Veneta.
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