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.
Public Playground Accessibility Checklist
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
12 items to consider for inclusive play areas
Playground Safety Evaluation Form
National Program for Playground Safety
Use this form to evaluate your playground using the S.A.F.E. criteria score.
Playground Inspection Checklist - Template
Pennsylvania Park Maintenance Institute
Adapt this template appropriately to create your own playground inspection checklist for your facilities.
Athletic Field Manual
Cranberry Township
This manual describes techniques for maintaining various athletic fields
Setting a realistic standard for infield mixes
SportsTurf
This article outlines a number of expert opinions about what the standard infield mix should be for baseball fields.
Frequently Asked Questions AboutVarious Types of Playground Surfaces
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
FAQs about various playground surface materials
Introduction to Soil Quality
Penn State Extension
Background information about soil structure
Chester County Public Bathing Places Code
Chester County Health Department
The purpose of this document is to protect the public health by establishing minimumstandards for the design, operation, and maintenance of public bathing places.
Step Into Swim Funding
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The purpose of this site is to provide guidance to organizations who wish to apply for Step Into Swim™ funding.
Pennsylvania Municipal Leaders Grant & Resource Guide
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Inside this directory you will find information regarding grants available to local government from various departments throughout the Commonwealth.
A Basic Guide for Baseball & Softball Fields of All Levels
Baseball Tomorrow Fund
The information in this document is provided as a general reference guide for the maintenance of a baseball or softball field or facility.
Protecting Our Parks
National Park Service
A Strategic Approach to Reducing the Deferred Maintenance Backlog Facing the National Park Service
Green Infrastructure: How to Manage Water in a Sustainable Way
Natural Resources Defense Council
By relying on plants, soil, and natural systems to manage rainfall runoff, green infrastructure tackles urban water woes and boosts climate resilience. Here’s how.
The Irrigation Troubleshooter’s Top 5
Irrigation & Green Industry
Irrigation experts show how they manage some of the most common service call issues.
Choosing IPEMA Certified Playground Surfacing to Meet ADA Standards
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
This guide is an easy reference point concerning different surfacing types as it relates to ADA accessibility compliance.
