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.
How to Create a Simple Rotation for Staff in Excel
The Night Time Entrepreneur
This video negates the need for an expensive scheduling software solution for your staff. All done with Microsoft excel, its a totally accurate way of scheduling your staff, not to mention how versatile it is to have the information in Microsoft Excel.
Hammonds Rocks - Graffiti Cleanup Case Study
Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation
This case study outlines the collaborations and logistical steps required to coordinate successful clean-up efforts.
Top 10 List for Green / Sustainable Trails
PA DCNR
Suggested best practices in sustainable trail design
"DCNR's Top 10 Best ""Green/Sustainable"" Practices for Recreation and Conservation"
PA DCNR
By following these practices you will be able to develop sustainable sites that are practical, conserve resources and have a positive impact on the environment.
Reopening Recreation Facilities During COVID-19
ePACT
To encourage the safe, effective delivery ofprogramming as states lift stay-at-home orders and rollout phased reopening strategies, ePACTconducted a sector-wide survey of communityorganizations that provide recreation and childcare programs to find out how the sector is preparing facilities, staffing, programs, and members for the reopening of their facilities and launching of new programs.
Building Sustainable Trails: Key Design Elements
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
This article explains designing sustainable contour trails that reduce maintenance needs while providing a good experience for visitors.
Establishing Streamside Buffer Areas in Your Park or Community
Bushkill Stream Conservancy
This document outlines a step-by-step process for establishing “No-mow” areas and naturalized buffers.
Dog Park Maintenance
PlayCORE
With the growing popularity of dog parks, maintenance is an ongoing responsibility affecting most parks and municipalities. This article outlines important maintenance factors to keep in mind.
Universal Access Trails and Shared Use Paths
Debra Wolf Goldstein, Esq. and Larry Knutson
This manual reviews Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) to utilize when planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining pedestrian trails for universal accessibility—for providing trails usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without separate or segregated access for people with disabilities.
Ultimate Guide to Creating and Managing a Water Budget
Jain Irrigation USA
This video outlines a step by step process to create a water budget, manage water to the budget, and how to communicate the value of budgets and water management with property owners and managers.
Sports Field Irrigation System Sprinkler Replacement
Gregory Scott
This video demonstrates how to replace damaged sprinklers and raise the swing joints on an athletic field.
How Do Irrigation Valves Work?
RainBirdCorp
Have you ever wondered how irrigation control valves work? In this short video, we'll take you on a tour inside a valve to learn about the parts and technology that help keep water flowing exactly when and where you want it.
How to install a sprinkler pipe / conduit under a sidewalk
iScraper1
Step by step instructions for installing a PVC pipe under a sidewalk using water pressure.
Sustainable Trails: Doing it Right the First Time
John Favro
When you construct or reroute a trail, you are putting a structure on the landscape that will be there, in good or bad condition, for 100 years or more in most places. So why not do it right?
Gardening Advice - Pruning Spring Flowering Shrubs
RHS - Royal Horticultural Society
See how and when to prune your spring flowering shrubs to produce beautiful blooms next year.
