New York City is rolling out a pilot program to install modular public restrooms in parks across the five boroughs. Each borough will receive one of the new facilities, including Irving Square Park in Bushwick.

While a bathroom may not seem significant, the city’s Parks Department and local leaders see it differently. Officials say the new restrooms will encourage people to spend more time in green spaces. For City Council member Sandy Nurse, securing a restroom for her district aligns with her broader advocacy for increasing free public restrooms citywide.

Each modular unit costs about $1 million to build and install, bringing the total cost of the project, including soft costs, to approximately $6 million. Much like a modular home, the bathrooms are constructed in a factory before being installed on site. Final construction and ensuring compliance with city regulations takes about a year.

The restrooms are part of a pilot program and are set to open in the coming weeks.

The Parks Department will evaluate their impact before determining whether to expand the initiative.