Oak Harbor locks restrooms after vandals cause thousands in damage

Oak Harbor city officials announced that vandals inflicted more than $3,000 in damage at City Beach and Flintstone parks since July 3, prompting new security and maintenance measures. The incidents included destroyed toilets, broken shelter plexiglass, tampered coin boxes, snapped sprinkler heads, gouged picnic tables, and tipped port-a-potties, city staff said.

Parks Director Hank Nydam reported a recent spike in destructive incidents, and the city has begun locking park restrooms at night for the first time. The move aims to limit opportunities for late-night damage while officials weigh longer-term solutions. Oak Harbor Police Captain Rick Wallace said patrols have increased and asked residents to report suspicious activity to help protect public spaces.

Parks crews are evaluating replacement options, including more-durable stainless-steel toilets that can better withstand vandalism. City leaders plan to bring the matter before council members to balance upfront costs against ongoing repair bills, alongside considerations for safety and accessibility. Replacing fixtures with heavier-duty materials may reduce repetitive maintenance but could raise initial expenditures and affect restroom design and access.

For Island County residents, the changes are likely to be felt by a range of park users. Nighttime restroom closures change routines for beachgoers, fishers who arrive early or late, families camping along the shore, and anyone who relied on 24-hour restroom access. The city will need to ensure that security measures do not unintentionally impede access for people with disabilities or others who depend on round-the-clock facilities.

Beyond immediate repairs, the vandalism raises budgetary questions for a community that relies on modest municipal resources. Funds that would otherwise cover landscaping, playground upkeep, or programming could be diverted to replace or upgrade park infrastructure. City council deliberations will shape whether expenses are covered through the parks budget, reserve funds, or other measures that could affect local services.

Residents can expect a visible increase in police presence at park entrances and along the waterfront, and parks staff say they will continue to assess materials and designs that strike the best balance between durability and usability. The city is also urging community vigilance; reporting suspicious behavior can help reduce repeat incidents and keep City Beach and Flintstone safer for weekend picnickers, boat crews, and daily visitors.

What comes next is a council-level decision on replacements and budgets, paired with ongoing enforcement efforts. For now, the nighttime restroom locks and stepped-up patrols are tangible changes that reflect the city’s attempt to protect shared public spaces while charting a path toward more resilient park facilities.