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.
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.
Playground Inspection & Maintenance Guide
GameTime, 2019
The purpose of this overview resource is to raise awareness about some considerations for a routine playground inspection and maintenance program.
Smart Parks
Cartegraph Systems, Inc, 2019
A 7-Step guide to park asset management
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
US Department of Justice, 2010
This guidance provides detailed information about theDepartment’s adoption of the 2010 Standards including changes to the Standards, the reasoning behind those changes, and responses to publiccomments received on these topics.
Pool Operators Permit Instruction Manual
Tulsa Department of Health, 2019
This instruction manual is designed to educate pool operators and provide guidelines for the safe operation of swimming pools.
Cool-Season Grasses Lawn Maintenance Calendar
University of Missouri Extension, 2015
This summary outlines major steps required to maintain a high-quality lawn year round.
How to track your data with Excel
ForeverMore Training
This video demonstrates practical ways to implement a simple maintenance log using Excel.
Putting Your Fields to Bed - Participant Resources
Pennsylvania Park Maintenance Institute
This slide deck is from our Shop Talk with Jeff Fowler from Penn State Extension highlighting the essential steps to fall turf management for athletic fields.
Swimming Pool Closure and Winterization Best Practices
Pennsylvania Park Maintenance Institute
This slide deck is from our Shop Talk with Todd Roth from Centre Region Parks and Recreation highlighting important reminders for outdoor pool managers to assist with seasonal closure tasks.
How to Protect and Maintain Athletic Fields in the Heat of Summer
Penn State Extension, 2017
This article by Jeff Fowler will give the reader do's and don'ts to protect athletic fields in the heat of summer.
