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.
Weed control: White clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Penn State University, 2020
White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is perhaps the most common weed of home lawns and other turf areas.
Weed control: Spotted Spurge - Chamaesyce Maculata L.
Penn State Extension, 2020
Spotted spurge—sometimes referred to as prostrate spurge or spotted sandmat—is a weed of lawns, parks, institutional grounds, and athletic fields.
Cultivation and Surface Management BMPs
Sports Field Management, 2022
The following is an excerpt from STMA’s National BMP guide, Best Management Practices for the Sports Field Manager: A Professional Guide for Sports Field Management.
SAMPLE - Snow Park Policies
Seascoast Adventure, 2022
Example policies and procedures for snow park users at a commercial facility.
Trail Maintenance Basics
Rails-to-Trails, 2021
Trail building toolbox
Routine Trail Maintenance Cost Per Mile
Rails-to-Trails, 2021
The purpose of this table is to quickly give a general sense of the routine maintenance cost per mile of various types of multiuse trails in different regions of the United States.
Guide on Proper Installation & Maintenance of Playground Surfacing
IPMEA, 2013
Informative guide on playground surfacing materials
Engineered Wood Fiber Accessibility Testing
Henderson Consulting Services, 2013
A study of the accessibility of EWF surfaces which were properly installed according to supplier’sinstructions was initiated by the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA). This paper will review the preliminary findings from this study.
Installation for Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) to meet ADA Requirements
IPMEA, 2021
IPEMA believes that following the installation and maintenance recommendations below will result in greater accessibility and compliance with ADA requirements for EWF accessible surfacing under and around playground equipment.
Burn Safety Awareness on Playgrounds
Consumer Product Safety Council, 2012
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants you to be aware of the risk of thermalburns from playground equipment.
Strangulation Hazard with Playground Cargo Nets
Consumer Product Safety Council, 2012
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Council (CPSC) advises parents to check outdoor play equipment with cargo nets before allowing children to climb on them.
SAMPLE - Risk Assessment Tool
National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security, 2021
This tool (word document) is intended for use during the risk assessment and event planning process.
SAMPLE - Risk Assessment Planning Tool
National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security, 2021
This tool (spreadsheet) is intended for use during the risk assessment and event planning process.
Habitat Installation Guide - Pennsylvania
The Xerces Society for Invertegrate Conservation, 2019
These instructions provide in-depth guidance on how to establish and maintain pollen-and nectar rich wildflower habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects. The requirements and considerations in this guide are in addition to NRCS criteria applicable all purposes for the planned conservation practice.
Reducing Chemical Use on Golf Course Turf:Redefining IPM
Cornell University Extension, 2011
The strategies outlined in this manual are primarily based on knowledge gained during a nine-year study at the Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, NY, designed to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
