Tompkins Square Park Field House officially reopens after renovations (and you won't recognize the restrooms)

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After more than 18 months of renovations, the field house and restrooms at Tompkins Square Park officially reopened yesterday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on an actual spring-like day.

Susan Donoghue, NYC Department of Parks commissioner, along with other Parks officials, local elected officials, and Community Board reps, did the honors...

The reconstruction of the field house that serves the 10.5-acre park included a complete renovation of the building's interior and exterior, upgrading all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Accessibility improvements feature reconfigured layouts, new entryways, ADA-compliant ramps, and renovated restrooms and maintenance areas. The mayor's office funded the $5.6 million renovations.

The newly ADA-compliant bathrooms were spotless (for how long?). Each came stocked with amenities like — what? — soap and toilet paper...

Posted hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (There seemed to be confusion over the restroom hours — we received several different answers.)

While the ceremony was still wrapping up, neighborhood kids were already making themselves at home near the Slocum Memorial Fountain, and visitors wasted no time enjoying the newly accessible space.

Overall, the mood was upbeat and even celebratory. After a long stretch of construction and closed-off areas, residents seemed pleased to reclaim one of the East Village's most active public spaces.

And now, join us in a moment of silence... we appreciated your service...