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.
Maintenance Task Analysis for Parks and Recreation
Kevin Gruzewki, Productive Parks
Maintenance Task analysis is a best practice incorporating preventive maintenance and corrective actions to make maintaining grounds, equipment, and facilities more efficient. A step-by-step guide is included.
Curbing the Growing Rodent Threat
Darren Von Steenwyk, BCE
Fall and winter are prime times for rodents to seek warmer shelters. Rodents can put people, property and food at risk. Learn about their habits and how to prevent your facility from becoming a “hot spot.”
Storm-Damage Cleanup – A Greater Hazard
Steven Pregler, Certified Arborist
Storm damage cleanup poses many dangers. Risks include trip hazards, electric wiring, wind and rain, compressed wood, hidden decay and sharp edges. In this article, Steven Pregler shares important safety tips and warnings for all who are about to tackle a cleanup.
Mosquitoes
Steven b. Jacobs, Extension Associate
It's not too early to think about mosquitoes and other biting insects. Penn State Extension has several good resources concerning mosquitoes and how to manage their populations. With an increase in the spread of West Nile Virus across the state, it is good practice to eliminate breeding opportunities. Read about the mosquito lifecycle and how you can help here.
Product Management Pt. 3: Safety & Compliance for Pesticide Applicators & Your Business
Kathy Glassy, Inspire Green Inc.
In the 3rd installment of this 7-part series, the author stresses the importance of providing your staff with the necessary training and PPE to perform the job and avoid the pitfalls of pesticide use. She also highlights what your agency or business needs to do to comply with laws and regulations applicable to applications and record keeping.
Product Mgmt. Part 3: Safety & Compliance for Pesticide Applicators & Your Business
Kathy Glassy, Inspire Green Inc.
In the 3rd installment of this 7-part series, the author stresses the importance of providing your staff with the necessary training and PPE to perform the job and avoid the pitfalls of pesticide use. She also highlights what your agency or business needs to do to comply with laws and regulations applicable to applications and record keeping.
Bright ideas: 5 Strategies for Enhanced Outdoor Lighting
Claudia Capraru, Electrical designer
Outdoor lighting for facilities, parking areas and courts greatly affects how users experience your spaces. Learn how to create efficient and aesthetically pleasing lighting in your spaces.
Observational Forensics of Sick Shade Trees
Tree Care Industry Magazine
Trees do not usually die in a day. Learn how to identify potential trouble early and treat the tree before it enters the severe decline stage, where its fate is sealed. Several easily observable signs of tree trouble are discussed.
Be prepared for Extreme Heat
FEMA
With summer coming, learn the facts about extreme heat and how to keep yourself and your staff safe during these periods.
Maintenance Water Quality Management Systems
Vortex
Splashpads vary in their specific maintenance requirements due to differentiating factors such as Splashpad size, bathing load, water chemistry, operating environment, and climate. Before setting your maintenance schedule, it is important to first identify the level of maintenance required to keep your WQMS continually operating at peak efficiency.
