Bathrooms out of order at Jericho park

Robbins Lane Community Park in Jericho looks like every town's dream: A turf playing field dubbed Field of Champions. A spectator area including bleachers and an area with tables and chairs. And, for younger spectators, a playground.

But the dream ends when it's time for a visit to the restrooms.

"DO NOT USE. NO WATER. BATHROOMS ARE BROKEN" says a sign taped to the door of the men's rest-room. On the door to the women's: "BATHROOMS OUT OF ORDER."

Watchdog learned of the out-of-order facilities in the Oyster Bay Town park from Violet Sardo of Woodbury who, with her husband, Michael, had gone to the field to watch their grandson's lacrosse game.

Grandparents and parents who frequent such sporting events typically take along coffee, especially on weekend mornings. If the restrooms are locked, a large coffee can pose a problem.

"We had to leave the park and go somewhere else," Sardo said.

So why is such a prized park -- it's less than 3 years old -- missing such an essential element?

The restrooms were closed because pipes burst during a bitter cold spell last winter, town spokeswoman Marta Kane told us.

The town ordered replacement parts, only to learn they were on back order. Kane said the parts are expected to arrive soon and, once they do, the plumbing will be returned to working order.

The town has put four portable toilets near the spectator area -- a less-than-optimal solution for many of us. Kane put the best possible spin on the temporary facilities: "They're cleaned regularly."