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.
Overview of Pennsylvania’s Recreational Use of Land and Water Act
Andrew M. Loza and Debra Wolf Goldstein, Esq. (2019). Justin Hollinger, Esq., and Loza updated (2026)
Agencies rights on public Use.
Climber Safety; Know the Ropes
Berliner Play Equipment Informational
Short guide on rope safety and maintenance. Provided by Anna Ranck during PRPS Annual Conference 2026
Risky Play, Real Benefits
Tony Norquist
Several videos on how to adjust Gym Equipment.
How Inspections Create Organizational Value
Scott Belair, CCPI, CPSI
Don’t run away from Track and field issues, Read about them here.
Rewriting the Woods; Restoring Native Landscapes from Invasive Takeover
Ryan Varner, Northampton Parks and Recreation
Guide to establishing a lawn area.
Put Some spring in Your Risk Management Program
Peter Erndwein, Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts
No lawn in shaded areas? Read on.
Overview of PA’s Recreational Use of Land and Water Act
WeConservePA
An information sheet outlining the protections and liabilities of the Recreational Use Act for municipal and private landowners.
Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community
PA DEP Pamphlet
Does DEP need to be called before you work in a stream? This pamphlet guides that decision.
Designing and Maintaining a Pool Maintenance Plan
Michelle Gable, AFO, CPO
An overview of the necessary elements for developing a pool maintenance plan.
Recognize Hazardous Defects in Trees
US Forest Service Northeastern Area Pub# NA-FR-01-96
This publication by the US forest Service can help you to identify trees in a hazardous state
Parks Under Pressure: Improving resilience through asset management
Jennifer Pekins
A realistic look at the pressures our parks face and how we can begin to navigate them.
Lawn Management Through the Seasons
Peter Landschoot, PhD Former Professor of Turfgrass Science PSU
A concise information article with annual turf management chart for athletic field and lawn management in Pennsylvania.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Guidebook
Self-Published
In the 5th installment of this 7-part series, the author provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to handle a pesticide accident.
On the Job After Natural Disasters, Part 1
John Ball, Ph.D., CTSP
With more extreme weather events, natural disasters have become more common. Learn what you can do to manage these jobs and minimize risk.
Three Reasons Employees Fail to Meet Expectations and How Leaders Can Help
Chris Stevenson, The Empower Group
Leaders need to set the tone for their team to manage resources and foster a collaborative environment.
