November 11, 2006: Vol. 29, No. 44

The other day in Owl’s Head Park, a group of teen “Skateboarders for Jesus” was handing out a pamphlet titled, “Where Are You Going?”

But in this Bay Ridge park, such literature no longer poses just a theological question — thanks to the reopening of a long-shuttered public bathroom.

To make our own ceremonial first flush, The Brooklyn Papers sent its top cub reporter to seek comfort in the so-called “comfort station.” After a brief campaign of shock and awe, he declared it a mission accomplished.

Refurbished with a wheelchair ramp and a ventilation system that keeps the air warm and fresh on a cold day, this is one state-of-the-art outhouse.

The structure’s stately brick gives it a Colonial feel, and the natural glow from the skylight adds a nice modern touch.

In fact, it’s such a pleasant comfort station that visitors have been known to seek a lot of comfort. One man, for example, stayed in one of the two stalls for roughly 45 minutes (yes, it’s that clean a bathroom).

He finally came out with a strong endorsement.

“It’s beautiful in there,” he said. “Thank God.”

No, thank City Councilman Vince Gentile (D-Bay Ridge), who pushed the Parks Department to finally finish the $1.1-million project after two years of contractor bungling.

The renovation will help to flush memories of past years, when the station was so rank that portable toilets were set up as an alternative.

That foul era was long gone as our reporter looked over the skateboard teens’ pamphlet again and smiled.

From now on, Bay Ridgites will know exactly where they’re going — at least when they’re in Owl’s Head Park.

©2006 The Brooklyn Paper