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.
Bright ideas: 5 Strategies for Enhanced Outdoor Lighting
Claudia Capraru, Electrical designer
Outdoor lighting for facilities, parking areas and courts greatly affects how users experience your spaces. Learn how to create efficient and aesthetically pleasing lighting in your spaces.
Observational Forensics of Sick Shade Trees
Tree Care Industry Magazine
Trees do not usually die in a day. Learn how to identify potential trouble early and treat the tree before it enters the severe decline stage, where its fate is sealed. Several easily observable signs of tree trouble are discussed.
Maintenance Water Quality Management Systems
Vortex
Splashpads vary in their specific maintenance requirements due to differentiating factors such as Splashpad size, bathing load, water chemistry, operating environment, and climate. Before setting your maintenance schedule, it is important to first identify the level of maintenance required to keep your WQMS continually operating at peak efficiency.
Is It Too Old to Save?
Paul Edwardson
Considering a playground replacement? Read this first.
Natural Materials in Playgrounds
Alex Waffle
As natural materials gain popularity, it is vital to ensure their safety and performance.
Vandalism and Graffiti in Public Spaces: Clean up and Prevention
Dan Hendey, CPRE, CPSI, Director, The Maintenance Institute
Graffiti and vandalism are more than just an eyesore—they can make public spaces feel unsafe and cost communities significant time and money to repair. Vandalism in the form of graffiti, broken fixtures, or damaged landscaping is a crime. It can create safety hazards, deter visitors, and erode community pride. For maintenance staff and supervisors, tackling this problem is two-fold: prevention and remediation.
Grass Seed Shelf Life and Storage
Sportsfield Management online 11/24/25 and article provided by Sod Solutions
A resource for determining the viability of your seed.
Checklist for Public Playgrounds
Intact Public Entities
A PDF checklist for playground with daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspection items.
The CPTED Movement (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
National Institute of Crime Prevention
Learn how to better manage and protect your resources and enhance public safety.
Parks as Pillars of Sustainability
Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP
With the right modifications and maintenance practices, parks and public spaces can help protect and enhance our environments.
Property Maintenance Checklist for Government and Municipal Buildings
Giroux Glass Blog Post
Seasonal maintenance checklist for buildings.
Playgrounds with Purpose
Aubrea Bandfield
Read about how your playgrounds support a child’s emotional, physical and social development.
Trimmers and Edgers
Sportsfield Management
A quick look at some new equipment options.
The Box Tree Moth: Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You!
Michael J Raupp PH.D & Paula Shrewsberry PH.D Tree Care Industry Magazine Feb. 2026
The Box Moth may be new in PA this year. Read about it here.
Budget Crunch? You Can Still Renovate Your Field
Mary Helen Sprecher Sportsfield Management Online
Turf restoration could be within your budget.
