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

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.

Biggest Pruning Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

joegardenerTV

Learn how to avoid the 3 biggest mistakes when it comes to pruning. Knowing how, when and where to prune is key when it comes to maintaining your trees and shrubs. In this video, Joe Lamp'l shows you how to avoid costly pruning mistakes, and what you need to do to keep your plants and trees looking their best.