Tool Shed

Our Tool Shed is a resource library designed for professionals working within all aspects of park maintenance. We continually research best maintenance practices from all industries to gather videos, articles, templates, and websites and store them in one place for our members. We spend the time to sift through the noise and provide you with valuable information when you need it, so you can focus on developing solutions. If there is something you need but cannot find, reach out and share your specific needs.

Stakeholder Management Resource Management Financial Management Benchmarks Playgrounds, Wellness, and Physical Equipment Pools, Boating, and Swimming Areas Trails and Greenways Park Structures Accessibility and Inclusion Custodial and Grounds Infrastructure Greener Approach Athletic Fields and Sport Facilities Natural Landscapes and Open Spaces Invasive Species and Pest Control Irrigation and Nutrition Journeymen's Guide Mechanic's Guide Contractor's Guide Front Office Guide Landscape

New report examines the role of park and recreation professionals in emergency preparedness and response

NRPA Report

P&R agencies play a bit role in emergency preparedness. Learn some ideas for your organization.

Planning a Dog Park? Start Here

Mary Helen Sprecher

Dog parks are here to stay, and surfacing is critical to the experience for all. Learn more about this feature and others here.

Beyond the Field; Pickleball Design Solutions

Michael Moonan

Pickleball demand is up. Learn some best practices for site selection and design.

Prepare for Padel

Mary Helen Sprecher

There is a new court sport making its way across the country. Learn more about this here.

Summertime Health Dangers for Outdoor Workers

Dan Hendey, CPRE, CPSI, Director, The Maintenance Institute

Equipment & Technology Focus - Trimmers and Edgers

Staff review

This is a look at some of the new grass trimmers and edgers on the market for commercial and home use.

Maximize Uptime: Choose a Charging System Made to Boost Your Landscaping Business

Nick Feld, Amner Deleon, Gerry Barnaby

Power and run-time are concerns regarding battery-powered equipment. To maximize uptime and productivity, you need the right charging system for mowers and trimmers. In this webinar, the presenters will share their success transitioning to batteries for power equipment and the technology behind charging systems designed for landscape professionals.

How Do Trees Die?

Lindsey Purcell, Master Arborist

Trees can die for a variety of reasons, including disease, pests, and physical damage. However, environmental concerns such as drought and pollution often pave the way for tree health by weakening tree systems. Learn more about these causes and how to recognize declining tree health.

The Value and Benefits of Pesticide Compliance

Kathy Glassey

Pesticides are an essential tool for Land managers. For your safety and the public, it is critical to understand the importance of following regulations. Besides legal compliance, adherence to regulations is key to ensuring safety, environmental protection, and long-term success for your agency or business

Multi-State Study Offers Recommendations for Keeping Bermudagrass Greener All Season

Nick Kordsmeier, Director Arkansas Agricultural Exp. Station

Whether an athletic field, golf course or lawn, a new study provides great tips for keeping turfgrass greener longer. Researchers in six states collaborated to identify three recommendations to extend green color and reduce cold-weather injury in hybrid bermudagrass.

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

National Fire Protection Association

Download this one-page safety sheet on the care and storage of Lithium batteries for your home, office or garage.

Infield Testing 101

Advanced Turf Solutions, 2023

Understanding infield test results allows you to adjust the composition of your field accordingly. This article explains the basics of collecting a sample for testing and interpreting the sand, silt, clay, and gravel content results.

TEMPLATE - Emergency Action Plan

VA Dept of Emergency Mngt, 2021

Template designed for agencies to create their own emergency action plan for their facilities.

SAMPLE - 10-Year Trail Plan

DE State Parks, 2022

Sample trail plan from a DE state park with estimated 156,890 visitors annually.

Transportation Maintenance Training - Evaluation Guides

NY DOT, 2023

These guides contain the criteria followed in every employee's skills demonstration when he or she applies to be certified in the operation of a piece of heavy equipment. The points covered in these documents are also the teaching points used by NYDOT Equipment Operator Instructors who prepare employees for their skills demonstrations. In addition to teaching materials, these files also contain maintenance checklists.