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 subscribers. 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

SAMPLE - RFP for Recreation Management Software

Elgin Parks and Recreation, 2014

RFP soliciting proposals for Recreation Management Software solution with real-time Internet Registration, to support the processes managed by the Parks and Recreation department, including, but not limited to, the daily management of operational tasks, such as program registrations, facility reservations, memberships, league scheduling, point of sale, admissions, payment processing, and customized reporting.

SAMPLE - RFP Aquatic Facility Management

City of Aransas Pass, 2014

The scope of work is to provide pool management services for the aquatic center - including swim lessons, swim team, and public swimming times.

Introduction to Groundskeeping

Beacon Athletics, 2021

Beacon Athletics developed Groundskeeper U to help baseball grounds crews get on the same page, doing things the right way. When you complete these introductory modules and lessons, you’ll be equipped with all the basic knowledge you need to avoid common groundskeeping mistakes and become a contributing member of your crew.

Guide to LEED Certification

U.S. Green Building Council, 2021

This site outlines certification guides support the LEED process. Access each rating system guide for important information regarding the LEED certification program including the current policies, procedures and pricing.

How to Remove the Invasive Plants Threatening Native Plants

VPM, 2020

This video highlights Jim Hurley from Blue Ridge PRISM, a volunteer group focused on helping property owners identify and remove invasive plants that are threatening natives.

Invasive Species Spotlight: Purple Loosestrife

PA DCNR, 2020

Purple loosestrife is a common invasive plant in Pennsylvania. Its flowers are commonly seen along wetlands, stream banks, and other wet areas. This prolific plant overtakes habitat and out competes native plants -- lowering diversity and preventing native wildlife from getting the nutrition they need.

Invasive species: Bush honeysuckle

The State Journal-Register, 2013

Bush honeysuckle invades the forest, crowding out native wildflowers and suppressing the growth of new oak and hickory trees.

Invasive Plants

HortTube with Jim Putnam, 2020

This video highlights common ornamental plants found in home and park landscapes that become invasive problems.

The Effects of Invasive Species

New Jersey Audobon, 2020

This video highlights invasive species common to the mid-Atlantic region and demonstrates some of the effects specific species can create when uncontrolled.

Fighting nonnative, invasive plants at Jacobsburg

lehighvalleylive.com, 2016

Robert Neitz, manager at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Bushkill Township, shows some of the park’s nonnative, invasive plant species and discusses efforts to fight them.

Removing Invasive Species Along Ohio Waterways

Ohio DNR, 2019

The ODNR's Scenic Rivers Program works with local volunteers to remove invasive species along the Little Darby in Madison County, Ohio

Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook

US Department of Agriculture, 2007

This notebook has pulled together basic trail construction and maintenance information, presented it in an easy-to-understand fashion, and oriented it to the needs of the trail worker.

Motorized Trail Construction and Maintenance Manual

Maine Department of Conservation, 2011

This handbook will show you examples of how to construct and maintain trails that minimize erosion and environmental impacts while providing safe accessible trails.

Trail Design for Small Properties

University of Minnesota Extension, 2006

Trail Design for Small Properties provides simple, inexpensive solutionsfor designing, building, and maintaining sustainable trials—trails forhiking, horseback riding, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling,off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Trail Bridge Rail Systems

US Forest Service, 2007

Choosing a rail system for trail bridges andboardwalks can be difficult. This tech tip explainsthe differences between three basic rail systems,discusses Forest Service requirements, and provides a simple process for determining the basic rail system that best fits your structure.