The Fairfax City Smart Restroom pilot program is competing for an IDC Smart Cities North America Award. The city’s innovative solution to a lack of permanent, accessible restroom facilities has been chosen as a finalist in the category of Economic Development, Tourism, Arts, Libraries, Culture, Open Spaces. Public voting is open through March 8. Winners will be announced March 27.
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Smart Cities use emerging technologies and innovation to make cities more livable and offer new services and economic opportunities. The IDC Smart Cities North America Awards recognize outstanding projects and provide a forum for sharing best practices to help accelerate Smart Cities development in the region.
The Problem
Many Fairfax City parks were built at a time when permanent restrooms connected to utilities were not considered a priority. Installing brick-and-mortar restrooms can take years as they must be budgeted, designed, permitted, constructed – and then maintained. Additionally, many parks and public spaces where restrooms are needed may not have water and sewage utilities readily available. The city has relied on contracted porta-johns, which provide the bare minimum for restroom needs. Public feedback revealed a need for improved ADA access and family restrooms. The lack of quality restroom facilities was cited as a reason by park users who were cutting short their outdoor activities.
In January 2023 Mayor Catherine Read took office for her first term. During her campaign she lobbied hard for improved restroom facilities in parks and public spaces. Her election intersected with an effort by Parks and Recreation staff to improve facilities at parks.
In late 2023 the Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Department sought out a solution that would provide secure restroom facilities that had running water, changing stations, exceeded ADA standards, could run without utility hookups, and did not require additional staff hours to maintain.
The Smart Solution
The city solicited bids from mobile sanitation companies and awarded a contract to a smart restroom provider. Three units were installed in different areas of the city. Features of the smart restrooms include:
- The restrooms feature a flushing toilet, urinal, sink with running water, changing stations, and clothing hooks.
- The ADA accessible units operate independently of utility connections and can be installed in a few hours.
- The units contain both freshwater and wastewater tanks. Tank levels are monitored remotely and specialized trucks fill and empty the units as needed.
- Units are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are monitored remotely by an operator.
- Users enter the unit by either scanning a QR code, texting a number posted next to the door, or via a smartphone app.
- After exiting the unit, users are asked to rate the cleanliness of the unit. If a large issue like an overflowing sink or clogged toilet is identified, the unit will close, and a technician will be dispatched.
- The units are cleaned every 50 uses by a team of local cleaners who are dispatched and managed by the vendor.
- On-call operators can dispatch fire or other emergency personnel if the unit detects smoke or other issues.
- Electricity is provided through solar panels on the roof.
- Each unit includes an ADA ramp and only requires the equivalent of two parking spaces.
- The units could be wrapped in artwork designed to fit their surroundings.
At a recent city event, staff received glowing feedback from a family whose child uses a motorized wheelchair. The smart restroom was large enough for both parents to enter with their child. They were grateful as facilities like these are not common at parks and events.
“Smart restrooms are a good match for the parks department’s commitment to equity,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Stacey Sommerfield. “They offer a truly accessible, secure, clean, and family-friendly solution to the issue of limited restroom facilities in parks.”
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