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.
Low Frequency Playground Inspection Form
International Playground Safety Institute, 2011
Template form to assist in developing a custom low frequency inspection process for each monitored playground.
Playground Inspection Frequency Form
International Playground Safety Institute, 2011
Use this form to help you evaluate the frequency of inspection for each playground in your supervision.
High Frequency Playground Inspection Form
International Playground Safety Institute, 2011
Template form to assist in developing a custom high frequency inspection process for each monitored playground.
The Economic Benefits of Green Infrastructure
US Environmental Protection Agency, 2014
As part of EPA’s ongoing efforts to build community capacity to develop cost-effective green infrastructure plans, EPA applied the generalized method developed in the Guide to the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. EPA conducted this case study to demonstrate the application of the Guide in a city with a comprehensive green infrastructure plan, and to illustrate the value of the multiple benefits that green infrastructure can provide.
SAMPLE - Successful Green Infrastructure Grant for Parks
Cleveland Metroparks, 2018
Example grant application of an awarded project to the Ohio EPA for their Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Program - which recognizes an organization’s exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship.
National Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater
US Environmental Protection Agency, 2020
The menu of BMPs is based on the stormwater Phase II rule's six minimum control measures. EPA has found the practices listed in the menu of BMPs to be representative of the types of practices that can successfully achieve the minimum control measures.
What is an MS4?
Penn State Extension, 2018
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System refers to a collection of structures designed to gather stormwater and discharge it into local streams and rivers.
Quick Resource Guide to the MS4 Program
PA Department of Environmental Protection, 2018
This guide was written for municipalities that own and operate Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems(MS4s). Stormwater regulations associated with the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) are administered under the MS4 Program by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials
ASTM International
This specification specifies impact attenuation performance requirements for playground surfaces and surfacing materials and provides a means of determining impact attenuation performance using a test method that simulates the impact of a child’s head with the surface. The test method quantifies impact in terms of G-max and Head Injury Criterion (HIC) scores. G-max is the measure of the maximum acceleration (shock) produced by an impact.
Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing
ASTM International
This guide covers standards for selecting and specifying surface systems under and around playground equipment.
SAMPLE - Periodic Playground Safety Self-assessment
New Hampshire Dept. of Health & Human Services
It is recommended that you use this checklist to complete periodic safety checks of outdoor play areas to reduce the potential for accidents and injuries.
Maintenance Task Efficiency Calculator
Pennsylvania Park Maintenance Institute
Template task efficiency and budgeting tool to help you collect data for actual costs for specific tasks, and measure them against your annual budget on a monthly basis.
Planting for Pollinators: Establishing a Wildflower Meadow from Seed
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, 2019
This fact sheet focuses on the various aspects of developing and maintaining a wildflower meadow for the benefit of pollinator habitat establishment.
Five Steps to Success for Establishing Perennial Wildflower Plantings for Pollin
Project Integrated Crop Pollination
Successful pollinator habitat establishment is all about site preparation and planning. This video will go over the five steps to success to establish diverse, long-lasting perennial wildflower plantings for pollinators.
How to Use Solarization to Prepare Areas for Planting
Project Integrated Crop Pollination, 2017
Good site preparation is key to successful germination and establishment of native wildflowers. Solarization uses a clear sheet of plastic laid over the ground to trap heat from the sun and kill weeds, seeds, and pathogens in the top few inches of soil. It’s a safe, non-chemical approach to weed eradication that can be used in both garden and farm settings. When carried out correctly, solarization is a highly effective weed eradication technique.
