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 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.

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 Landscape

5 Keys to Lean Maintenance and Improving Maintenance Productivity - Part 5

Assetivity

This is the fifth in a series of six articles on improving Maintenance Productivity through the use of Lean Maintenance techniques - Environment for Success.

5 Keys to Lean Maintenance & Improving Maintenance Productivity – Part 6

Assetivity

In this article, we will tackle the final topic of Lean Maintenance - Think Holistically.

5 Ways to Keep Your Maintenance Team Motivated and Efficient

Maintworld

This article outlines a few ideas on how to a keep your maintenance team motivated and efficient, in light of ever-shrinking budgets and a desire for new ways to reduce the cost of operations.

Green Infrastructure Can Be Cheaper, More Effective than Dams

Scientific American

A new report advocates for governments to increase funding for projects like floodplain restoration

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.