Custodial and Grounds
A well-trained custodial and grounds crew knows what to do, why they are doing it, and how best to take care of park maintenance. This area contains resources applicable to staff organization, health and safety, and efficient logistical approaches to improve custodial and grounds operations.
Sample Comprehensive Outdoor Athletic Field Development & Operation Plan
The Park District of Oak Park, IL
The over-arching goal of the process is to produce a living document that will serve as a comprehensive plan for the Park District to use in outlining priorities and timelines for field improvements, improve field usability and, where possible, increase field asset capacity over a 10 year period.
Sports Turf Alternatives Assessment: Cost Analysis Preliminary Results
Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute
The section presented here covers information on costs (installation, maintenance, replacementand disposal) associated with synthetic and natural turf options.
Trail Management Tools
US Forest Service
The Forest Service incorporates several standardized trail management concepts and tools in the administration and management of over 150,000 miles of National Forest System trails. These tools help ensure that each trail is designed, constructed, and maintained to provide the desired user experience and meet the management intent for the trail.
Green Jobs Training
US Environmental Protection Agency
A Catalog of Training Opportunities forGreen Infrastructure Technologies
SAMPLE - Park Monthly Maintenance Plan
City of Greenville, SC - 2023
Sample plan to use as a template for maintenance operations
SAMPLE - Maintenacne Management Operations Manual
City of Greenville, SC - 2021
Sample park operations manual including SOPs and Levels of Care
SAMPLE - Park Maintenance Monthly Checklist
City of Greenville, SC - 2021
Sample checklist for operational tasks broken down monthly
SAMPLE - Downtown Maintenance Schedule
City of Greenville, SC - 2021
Sample monthly maintenance tasks for a municipal tourism district area
The Verdict is in on Synthetic Fields
Mary Helen Sprecher, American Sports Builders Assoc.
Over the years, there has been considerable debate on the human health concerns of synthetic fields with crumb rubber infill. In this summary report, Mary Sprechers shares the results of EPA research report and several studies that point to the safety of synthetic turf. She also highlights several advantages of synthetic turf.
Maintenance Task Analysis for Parks and Recreation
Kevin Gruzewki, Productive Parks
Maintenance Task analysis is a best practice incorporating preventive maintenance and corrective actions to make maintaining grounds, equipment, and facilities more efficient. A step-by-step guide is included.
Curbing the Growing Rodent Threat
Darren Von Steenwyk, BCE
Fall and winter are prime times for rodents to seek warmer shelters. Rodents can put people, property and food at risk. Learn about their habits and how to prevent your facility from becoming a “hot spot.”
Storm-Damage Cleanup – A Greater Hazard
Steven Pregler, Certified Arborist
Storm damage cleanup poses many dangers. Risks include trip hazards, electric wiring, wind and rain, compressed wood, hidden decay and sharp edges. In this article, Steven Pregler shares important safety tips and warnings for all who are about to tackle a cleanup.
Mosquitoes
Steven b. Jacobs, Extension Associate
It's not too early to think about mosquitoes and other biting insects. Penn State Extension has several good resources concerning mosquitoes and how to manage their populations. With an increase in the spread of West Nile Virus across the state, it is good practice to eliminate breeding opportunities. Read about the mosquito lifecycle and how you can help here.
Product Management Pt. 3: Safety & Compliance for Pesticide Applicators & Your Business
Kathy Glassy, Inspire Green Inc.
In the 3rd installment of this 7-part series, the author stresses the importance of providing your staff with the necessary training and PPE to perform the job and avoid the pitfalls of pesticide use. She also highlights what your agency or business needs to do to comply with laws and regulations applicable to applications and record keeping.
Product Mgmt. Part 3: Safety & Compliance for Pesticide Applicators & Your Business
Kathy Glassy, Inspire Green Inc.
In the 3rd installment of this 7-part series, the author stresses the importance of providing your staff with the necessary training and PPE to perform the job and avoid the pitfalls of pesticide use. She also highlights what your agency or business needs to do to comply with laws and regulations applicable to applications and record keeping.
