The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast: Recent Episodes
Productove Parks
We’ve all seen it. Just a few pieces of litter can instantly change a visitor’s perception of your park. And then that initial litter inevitably leads to more litter.
Litter is a big problem, and it isn’t just a tarnish on your park assets. It is dangerous to the community and environment. It can also keep people away from your parks.
While you may not be able to completely control litter in your parks, there are some strategies you can employ to reduce it or address it quickly.
In this Episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn the effects of litter in parks, the dangers of it, and what your agency can do to protect its properties.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Park maintenance departments face a common problem: There is too much to do and not enough time and resources to do it. Maintenance managers face difficult decisions about what work needs to be done and what has to be shelved for another day.
But there’s a problem…
Deferring maintenance can end up costing much more in the long run. Equipment breakdowns. Program cancellations. Expensive repairs. Emergency overtime work.
Maintenance backlogs aren’t unique to the parks and recreation industry. There are, however, unique circumstances park maintenance departments face that can contribute to deferred maintenance.
In this Episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn more about maintenance backlogs, reasons park districts and agencies fall behind, and some practical steps to address deferred maintenance.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
We’re back! Welcome to season 4!
It’s the busy growing season. Your head is on a swivel. It seems like a never-ending stream of work requests, emails, phone calls, and meetings in the hallway are coming your way.
The work is piling up, and then the Executive Director calls you about an emergency issue at one of your parks. Just like that, the work you scheduled out for the week has to be re-juggled.
Prioritizing park maintenance isn't just about time management. It’s addressing safety and liability issues, balancing public relations, and juggling available resources as you’re delegating tasks to your team.
In this episode of the Productive Park 5-Minute Podcast, learn why prioritizing tasks is so difficult for parks maintenance teams and tips to help prioritize better. Also, we will discuss some common challenges park maintenance managers face while delegating work to the park maintenance team.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Can you make a long-lasting, fulfilling career out of park maintenance? Will you make enough to sustain your family and passions?
After all, for some, working in park maintenance is a dream job–being outdoors, solving problems, and making an impact on the community. Plus, many park operations jobs are projected for favorable or very favorable employment growth potential in the future.
But can you really make a decent living out of park maintenance?
In this episode of the Productive Park 5-Minute Podcast, we look at some ways you can make your way up the organizational chain from a seasonal staff to the director of park operations–or even higher in the ranks. We will also touch on some essential skills to develop throughout your career.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
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Picnic shelters can serve several functions at your parks, from special events and recreation programming to family gatherings. The shelters also serve as an easy way to get out of the sun or get protection during a surprise downpour.
A well-maintained picnic shelter serves as a safe, accessible place where people can gather. Some routine tasks and inspections can help increase the lifespan of the shelter while finding smaller problems before they become expensive fixes.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn how to keep your picnic shelters and pavilions in the best possible condition so your visitors have a safe, positive experience. Also, get some tips on seasonal picnic shelter maintenance to keep your structures in great shape all year long.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Park maintenance managers face continued pressure to do more with less. Their maintenance budgets get slashed. They have fewer staff. The expectations continue to grow despite the lack of resources.
It’s enough to spread any park maintenance team thin.
What’s the solution?
One thing you can do is review your current operations to see if there are alternative approaches that may improve efficiency. Tweaking your systems and processes could be the difference between barely keeping your head above water and cultivating a confident, productive team
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we will discuss ideas on how to approach your processes differntly so you and your maintenance team can work smarter, not harder.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Working out in a gym isn’t for everyone. Some people prefer their exercise outdoors. As outdoor fitness equipment continues to evolve in our parks and open spaces, so does its popularity.
Outdoor fitness equipment enables parks and recreation agencies to offer their communities opportunities to expand and diversify their fitness routines. You want to make sure that the equipment remains safe, functional, and in good condition.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn how to create a maintenance plan to keep your outdoor fitness equipment in its best possible condition all year round. Also, hear about some of the common maintenance issues and solutions for outdoor fitness equipment.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
It’s the middle of summer. This time of year, you may get a chance to experience a very brief moment of respite. A little lull between the madness of the start of the growing season, special events, and other recreation programming.
Although this is often a time for a much-needed breather, it can also present an opportunity that will help you the rest of the summer.
A midsummer review of your maintenance plan can allow you to make some adjustments that will help your park maintenance team be more focused and efficient. But making changes midseason could seem pretty daunting.
It doesn’t have to be.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, get the steps and insights to briefly pause and evaluate your maintenance program midseason. Then get some tips on how to roll out the changes and adjustments. ____________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
You have some park maintenance staff who can do some pretty amazing things for your agency. Individuals who can fix broken irrigation systems, set up for large events, and care for amazing-looking sports fields.
But even the best technicians can struggle when the team isn’t working well together. The entire park maintenance team feels the effects when issues arise with communication, engagement, trust, and motivation.
Luckily, there are some ways maintenance managers can improve how a team operates.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, explore why you want your park maintenance team operating at its best and how teambuilding can play a role. Additionally, gather some starting points for engaging team-building activities that will help strengthen your maintenance team.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Late spring and early summer…It’s that time of year when just about every park maintenance crew is struggling to keep their heads above water. And now they are being asked to help with some of the special events.
We all know special events are a big part of programming for parks and recreation agencies, and summer is full of them.
So, how can you make it easier for an already stressed, overextended park maintenance team?
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn some ways to help your agency get on the same page while providing the maintenance team the support and resources they need for special events during this busy time.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
There are a lot of different campgrounds out there. From the open space areas with strategically-placed bathrooms, grills, and garbage cans to resort-like sites with plenty of amenities.
One thing is common for all these campsites--they require maintenance to give visitors a safe, positive experience.
But do campsites need a maintenance management system (CMMS) software to help the maintenance teams?
Maintenance management software can help campgrounds organize and prioritize their maintenance tasks, communicate more effectively, and keep better track of their assets
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, explore some ways maintenance management software can improve maintenance in campgrounds. Also, learn some things to consider if you think your campground needs a CMMS.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
There’s going to come a time when it is no longer feasible to repair some of your park maintenance equipment. You are going to have to replace the equipment.
You want to make sure you get your money’s worth out of the new equipment. And you want to make sure the maintenance equipment provides staff with the tools they need to effectively complete their tasks.
After all, misguided or hasty equipment purchasing decisions can lead to breakdowns, disruptions in workflow, and equipment that is not appropriate for your agency.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn some of the things you may want to do before purchasing new park maintenance equipment.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
You worked hard to hire qualified seasonal staff to help with your parks maintenance operations. Well-trained seasonal staff helps your maintenance team operate more efficiently, provides support to full-time staff, and increases the chance that the seasonals will return next year.
Now it’s time to train the seasonal staff to set them up for success.
You want to be sure that they have everything they need to complete their tasks successfully throughout the season. A thorough, concise training program empowers your seasonal staff and prepares them for the busy growing season.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, get some tips and strategies to help create and implement an effective seasonal park maintenance staff training program.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
A park cleanup event can be an excellent opportunity to address maintenance needs for your parks while getting the community involved. Community park cleanup events can help the maintenance team catch up on less skilled work like trash cleanup, weeding, removing invasive plants, and other beautification projects.
Don’t let that opportunity go to waste! A poorly planned cleanup event can mean work wasn’t completed correctly and the volunteers had a negative experience.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn how to make your next park cleanup event a success! From a small volunteer group to a community event, here are some steps to help plan, execute, and evaluate your next volunteer cleanup event.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
As a park and recreation agency, we all come to this crossroads…should we keep repairing older playground equipment, or is it time to replace it?
You want to provide the best play environments for your community but probably have budget constraints and a maintenance backlog. Still, the repairs are starting to get more expensive and frequent. Is it time to finally replace the playground equipment?
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, get help answering the age-old question for park agencies–Should I repair or replace this aging playground equipment? We’ll talk about what to consider, what data you should be collecting now, and how to make the decision easier.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Is your park maintenance team dealing with issues? Are there things that constantly nag at your park and recreation agency? Well, you are not alone. As much as you’d like to think other parks departments have it all together, they are likely struggling with at least some challenges.
Despite parks and recreation agencies coming in all different shapes and sizes, they often encounter similar challenges. From aging infrastructure to interactions with the public, parks and recreation teams often find creative, proactive ways to address these problems.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, explore 6 common challenges parks maintenance teams face. Also, get some ideas and inspiration by learning how other parks agencies have successfully approached them.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Communication. We do it every day. Conversations, phone calls, emails, and messaging…It seems nonstop. Yet communication remains to be one of the greatest challenges within many organizations–including parks and recreation agencies.
Technology may make communicating with one another easier, but it doesn’t necessarily make us better at it. Interactions among supervisory staff, administrators, and front-line workers need to be clear, concise, and respectful to foster a positive parks and recreation agency environment.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we explore how to improve communication between park maintenance teams, other departments, and administrators. Also, get tips and insights on how to promote a culture of open communication throughout your agency.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Winter usually means more people spending time indoors–and coming to your indoor recreation facilities, gyms, and workout centers. The weather conditions, additional programming, and increased foot traffic can all impact how staff need to maintain these facilities.
The challenges recreation centers face during the winter can be addressed with some planning, procedures, and maintenance routines. Also, training staff can help create a culture focused on safe, functional, and clean facilities.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, get some actionable steps to help keep your facilities safe, functional, and looking their best this winter. Also, learn some of the unique maintenance needs for the more specialized areas in your recreation centers. ____________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Harsh winter weather can be hard on recreation facility exteriors. If you are a facility manager, you’ve seen how freezing temperatures, heavy snow, high winds, and other winter weather can cause damage and hazardous conditions.
Luckily, with some planning and preparation, you can reduce the risk of common issues recreation facilities face during the winter. Help make sure your exteriors stay resilient throughout winter, and the nearby areas are safe for your staff and visitors.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, get some ideas for planning exterior facility maintenance in the winter. Also, learn some inspections and maintenance tasks helping to prepare and monitor your facility during the winter.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation industry. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
It can be an exciting time when parks and recreation agencies invest in computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software. But it can also be a challenging time to adopt CMMS software.
After all, change isn’t always easy. Maintenance staff may not initially adopt CMMS software. It can be a stressful transition as the staff learns how to use maintenance management software.
Spending time upfront with training, collaboration, and accountability can make your CMMS investment pay off much sooner.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we explore some strategies to help staff understand the benefits of CMMS software and how it helps make their jobs easier. Also, learn ways to encourage maintenance staff buy-in during the CMMS implementation process.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Now that the weather is starting to turn and some parts of the country are starting to face more wintery conditions, you may ask yourself if your playgrounds are ready for the change of season.
Late fall is a critical time to ensure playgrounds remain safe and functional during the winter. The playground inspections and preventative maintenance you do now can go a long way to ensure issues are addressed before the lead to more complicated, expensive repairs come the spring.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, get some actionable steps and tasks to keep playgrounds safe and welcoming year-round. Also, learn one of the most overlooked tasks that can make a big difference in your future playground maintenance planning. ____________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Picture this…You started your maintenance team seasonal hiring. You found some perfect new additions for your maintenance department.
What happens on their first day? What kind of maintenance training is available during the onboarding process? Do they watch some standard videos that every new hire watches? Do that shadow an established maintenance staff for a few days? Are they left to their own devices to figure it out?
We all know how overwhelming and stressful the first day on the job can be. Maintenance onboarding training–and ongoing training–gets staff to start on the right foot and keep their stride when challenges come their way.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn more about setting up an effective training program for maintenance staff and how to implement it. Then, get some ideas for essential topics to cover for maintenance training.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Park maintenance is the backbone of a dynamic parks and recreation agency. The varied duties of a parks maintenance worker help ensure that recreation programming, special events, and visits to parks and facilities are safe and positive experiences for the public.
However, many people don’t understand all the responsibilities of a park maintenance worker and the skills necessary to complete them.
So today, we are answering the question, “What is Park Maintenance?”
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we are going back to the basics for those interested in learning more about park maintenance. Learn the different types of park maintenance workers, examples of their duties, and available training and certifications. We’ll also discuss essential skills for park maintenance workers to be successful in their work.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
In the perfect world, your maintenance team would have all the funding and resources you need for general operations, necessary repairs, and special projects.
And then there is reality.
More often than not, budget constraints keep teams from doing everything that needs to be done. Backlogs of work pile up. Small issues get missed. Emergency repairs are needed.
Managers have to become creative to stretch their budgets or secure additional help and funding.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we look at how park maintenance managers can navigate limited budgets and still complete the work necessary for safe, functioning, and aesthetically pleasing community resources. Get some hints and tips to help stretch your park maintenance budget further. ____________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
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Most people work better when they have a clear path to follow. When they understand what needs to be done and why. Unfortunately, not every agency has focused short- and long-term goals that give a sense of purpose and unity.
You may have heard of key performance indicators (KPIs) before. But do parks and recreation agencies really need KPIs?
In short, Yes!
Parks and recreation agencies with clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) are more focused on their jobs and serving the public.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn about key performance indicators and why they are beneficial. Then, get some KPI examples specific to parks and recreation agencies and maintenance teams. ____________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
How important is inventory management for parks and recreation?
We often take our inventory for granted until we unexpectedly run out of something...at the worst possible time. Or maybe someone orders too much of something, and there is nowhere to put it. Then, inventory comes into full focus.
Being proactive with inventory allows your agency to take the mystery out of storage closets and cabinets. Effectively managing inventory also allows staff to have the products they need in stock for the best possible price.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, get some tips on effective inventory management. Then, see how technology like maintenance management software can help make the process even easier. _________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SHOW SOME LOVE– Like the Episode and Subscribe to the Podcast!
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Maintenance management software can automate some processes and organize a maintenance team, but how does it pay for itself?
Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software is an investment for a parks and recreation agency. As with any investment, you want to see it start paying off as soon as possible.
You may be surprised at how quickly your agency will start seeing a return on the investment. When a maintenance team adopts a CMMS and uses it daily, the software pays for itself–and quite a bit more!
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn some of the ways a CMMS can start saving money almost immediately. Learn some of the reasons that it pays to start using a CMMS, as well as some specific examples of almost immediate savings.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
When a parks and recreation agency chooses maintenance management software to help streamline operations, individuals often have ideas about what the software can and cannot do.
Some may think choosing computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software will solve all their problems. Others may believe that “Big Brother” will be watching over them, tracking their every move.
After all, change can be a difficult thing. When faced with it, the mind can go to all sorts of places. One of the best ways to temper misconceptions about maintenance management software is by having a clear understanding of what it is capable of and what it doesn’t do. (Spoiler alert: simply logging into the software won’t solve all your problems.)
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn some of the common misconceptions people have about CMMS software and the realities of the maintenance team using this powerful tool.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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With record heat reaching through most of the country, it’s crucial to keep your staff and visitors safe from the excessive temperatures.
Maintenance staff working outdoors in the elements exposed to heat, humidity, and sunlight are especially vulnerable. Being aware of heat-related illness symptoms allows staff to monitor themselves, their coworkers, and any visitors exposed to prolonged periods of heat.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn some of the most common risks of working in the heat. Then, we will review some early warning signs of heat-related illness and what to do if you notice someone experiencing them.
Finally, get ideas on how your agency can help prevent staff from getting heat-related illnesses.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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For parks and recreation maintenance teams, it’s the middle of the busy season. Everyone is probably feeling the strain. Workers have to manage heat, special events, and more visitors–along with their other regular duties–to ensure parks and properties are looking and functioning their best.
Most maintenance managers have been through this chaotic time before. But they want to go through it better this time around. Is it even possible?
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we go over some tips and insights to help you and your team manage the busy season and beyond. Get actionable steps to keep your maintenance team organized and productive all summer long.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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You know the sound as soon as you hear it…the whir of a leaf blower doing its job.
Despite the name, leaf blowers can help with various cleaning and clearing tasks. And if you work in parks maintenance, they are likely one of your trusted tools throughout the day.
And, like most landscaping equipment, they need regular maintenance to operate at their best and last their longest.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we take a closer look at leaf blowers and how to maintain them. Get some strategies to help maintain your gas or electric leaf blowers so they work well for your team all season long.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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We’ve all been there. Somebody calls off. An emergency repair is needed. Something breaks down in the field. In these instances and others, maintenance managers have to make tough decisions about what tasks to do and what needs to be deferred.
With a growing list of deferred maintenance tasks, more things start slipping through the cracks, and even more work gets deferred. Soon, your team is in over its head with deferred maintenance.
Deferred maintenance is not a new problem for parks and recreation agencies. It’s an issue many industries face.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we take a closer look at deferred maintenance for parks and recreation, how it happens, and the effects of having a large backlog of work. Then, get some strategies to help manage deferred maintenance and efficiently start chipping away at it.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Certain parts of the United States will soon experience a surge of visitors, but they may not be the typical visitors we’re used to seeing.
Billions, even trillions of cicadas, will emerge from the ground in some areas as two overlapping Broods come out to mate.
Are you not even sure what that means? And how will it affect your parks and landscaping? No problem. We have you covered.
This episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is all about cicadas. Learn more about this interesting insect and how it is probably more beneficial than harmful to your assets…that is, with a little preparation.
We’ll discuss what to do before the cicadas emerge and how your agency can adjust and temporarily coexist with these loud, but mostly harmless insects.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in Parks and Recreation. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Parks maintenance workers are on the frontlines of ensuring our parks, playgrounds, green spaces, and facilities remain beneficial community resources.
The work can be hard and sometimes only gets noticed if a problem arises. When individuals feel heard and appreciated, you will have a better chance of retaining your park maintenance staff.
Agencies that have more success filling roles and keeping them filled often examine and refine their approaches to employee culture and morale.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5 Minute Podcast, we discuss the challenges parks and recreation agencies face with staffing and some ways to boost morale to keep teams happy and engaged with their vital work.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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From playgrounds and gyms to paths and ballfields, parks and recreation agencies have a lot going on and many different types of assets.
Managing and tracking those assets can be a complicated balance of scheduling, budgeting, and labor management. Without a clear plan for managing parks and recreation assets, things will fall through the cracks.
And little issues are going to become big, expensive problems.
The good news is that once you have a system to manage your park and facility assets, fewer things will fall through the cracks, and you will have a plan for when troubles arise.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn more about asset management, why it’s important for parks and recreation agencies, and get tips to improve your asset management plan. ___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Are you looking to cut your parks maintenance supply and labor costs? Has your parks and recreation agency developed a sustainability plan requiring more environmentally friendly practices?
Do you want safe places your visitors can enjoy and be proud of?
Sustainable landscape management and natural lawn care limit or eliminate the use of harmful, dangerous chemicals while ensuring the areas are healthy and resilient. These practices can also help reduce costs and labor hours at parks while improving public opinion about your sustainability efforts.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn more about sustainable landscape management, its benefits, and steps you can take to make your assets more sustainable.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
As the weather gets nicer, more children and families will head to your parks and playgrounds. Are your playgrounds ready for the extra traffic?
One of the most important responsibilities of park maintenance workers is ensuring playgrounds are safe, free of hazards, and ready for action.
Do you have a plan to make sure your outdoor assets are prepared for the increased traffic?
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn what to look for and do to help ensure your playgrounds are safe for visitors this spring. Plus, get a couple of ideas on how to get the community involved in playground safety. ___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
As we get closer to the spring and summer seasons, you probably have some extra seasonal staff openings that need to be filled.
Attracting great seasonal employees takes more than putting a “We’re Hiring” sign in front of your administration building.
So how can you reach potential employees and get them excited to work for your agency?
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn the dos and don’ts of attracting seasonal employees. Also, learn how to focus your efforts to find the best available candidates. And then we will give you some actional ideas to help boost your seasonal employee recruiting.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
During the winter, there’s a good chance your recreation facilities get a workout. Recreation Center parking lot maintenance ensures your guests and employees can park their vehicles and get to your facilities safely.
But winter is hard on parking lots. Extreme weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and snow removal equipment can damage parking lots and surrounding landscaping--especially when proper precautions and maintenance aren’t used.
The good news: a little planning, preparation, and training could go a long way in ensuring your recreation facility parking lots are cleared, safe for visitors, and undamaged during the snow removal process.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn how winter affects parking lots, how to prepare parking lots for winter, and what to do when winter weather strikes. Then, stick around for some pro tips on parking lot snow removal.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
What parks and recreation trends will define 2024?
After all, staying on top of the latest parks and recreation trends helps keep the public engaged and makes your agency more relevant.
If the start of this decade has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. However, we feel a few trends will emerge or continue to be on the radar of several parks and recreation agencies in 2024.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we highlight some of the more popular recent trends, and some of the potential ones, that parks and recreation agencies may encounter this coming year.
Let’s get started with a great year!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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During the winter months, many parks and recreation agencies switch the focus to their facilities. The public takes advantage of community centers, recreation complexes, and gyms for their leisurely pursuits.
The maintenance department plays a key role in ensuring these facilities are safe, comfortable, and clean. Developing a preventive maintenance plan for HVAC systems ensures guests and staff will remain comfortable throughout their visit.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we review the importance of HVAC preventive maintenance and give some guidelines to help you create an effective plan to keep your systems working reliably. Help your HVAC systems operate reliably, efficiently, and as long as possible--let’s get started!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Maintenance management software is an investment to improve operations for your agency. You want to ensure you're getting the best option for your money.
The implementation process is a crucial step while transitioning to a CMMS. If the implementation doesn’t go well, you may be paying for software that no one uses--and you’ll probably have to answer some tough questions next time budget meetings come around.
The good news: Choosing the most appropriate software that offers support during implementation can help make that transition go smoothly--and the ROI quickly becomes evident.
How can you ensure you’re making the right CMMS choice? The answer goes beyond looking at features and pricing structures.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn what to consider before purchasing software, during implementation, and as your agency evolves. ___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Making outdoor playgrounds available to visitors is important for every season. After all, even during winter, many children and families brave the elements for physical outdoor play. BUT…Winter weather--like snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures--can hasten the wear and tear of playground equipment. Extreme winter weather can create hazards and unsafe conditions on playgrounds.
A parks maintenance team that takes proper safety precautions and promptly addresses weather-related issues allows children to safely use playground equipment in any season.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn more about common issues playgrounds face in winter weather and how to help prevent unsafe conditions.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
Are you looking to reduce labor and maintenance costs? Maybe decrease the wear and tear on your equipment and vehicles?
Do you have large areas of turfgrass that hardly ever get used?
Then we may have a solution for all these issues and a lot more.
Replacing turfgrass areas with locally native plants can positively affect maintenance operations, the community, and the environment.
But it will take some planning and possibly an upfront investment.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast we discuss the benefits of native plants, how it positively affects parks maintenance operations, and what to consider when planning native plant areas.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
You heard the public's demand for pickleball courts. You transformed some older, hardly used tennis courts into pickleball courts.
And now you're hearing the public's complaints about pickleball noise!
Ironically, a sport created decades ago allowing families and friends of all ability levels to play together is causing a serious rift between Picklers (Pickleball players) and non-players living near the courts.
It's not an uncommon situation. Pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport. In fact, participation in the sport nearly doubled in 2022. An estimated 60 new courts emerge each month.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss what’s causing pickleball court noise complaints and some ways to reduce the noise.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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You want your recreational areas to be a source of pride for your department and joy for the public. Preventing and eliminating litter is a top priority.
Public parks offer many benefits for those who use them. Litter, however, can distract and degrade the experience. In fact, poorly maintained sites with visible debris distract from patrons' perceived quality and safety of an experience.
It's probably not the most glamorous decision you'll make, but choosing suitable trash receptacles adds to a site's aesthetic appeal and cuts down on litter.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we talk about finding the most appropriate trash receptacles for your site to complement litter control efforts. We’ll give you some considerations to help with the decision-making process. ___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo
You’ve just about made it through another busy growing season. Chances are you had some smooth patches and some challenges along the way. The season has added to your parks maintenance wisdom.
So put that wisdom to good use! As things start slowing down for the season, now is an excellent time to prepare for next year.
Sure, you may not even want to think about next year’s park maintenance right now. But starting to plan how to maintain your parks can make next year go so much smoother.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we’ll review some things you and your team can do to evaluate this past growing season and plan your maintenance for next year.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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If your team finds its workflow disrupted by equipment breakdowns, facility issues, and constant park repairs, it may be time to examine your preventative maintenance plan.
The best way of dealing with problems in parks and facilities is by catching them before they become major issues. Scheduling routine preventative maintenance for your assets helps prevent breakdowns, injuries, and workflow disruptions.
Of course, parks and recreation agencies have a lot of moving parts. Finding the time to work around programming schedules and other routine tasks may be difficult. But successfully implementing a preventative maintenance plan makes a huge difference in overall operations. Once it’s in place, you may wonder how you survived without it.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we look closer at preventative maintenance for parks agencies, why it’s essential, and the most common ways this type of maintenance gets scheduled. .___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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A well-maintained recreation facility gives the public a safe, welcoming, functional environment to enjoy programming and events. As the winter months approach, you may find your recreation facility getting even more use…and abuse.
Is your recreation complex, fitness facility, or community center ready for it?
Like our playgrounds and park assets, facilities benefit from routine inspections and maintenance tasks to catch minor issues before they lead to damage or disruptions.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we look at the components of facility maintenance. We will discuss the difference between asset management and facility management. And, of course, we’ll give you some tips on creating an effective facility maintenance plan.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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If not already, there will probably come a time when everything your maintenance department does will need to be outlined in a maintenance program. For those who have worked in the field for a long time, this may mean taking everything that’s become instinctual and turning it into something tangible.
In other words…no small task.
You may not even know where to begin.
Initially, organizing your maintenance program may feel overwhelming. The benefits, however, will make it well worth your time.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, you’ll see how creating a maintenance program helps, steps to start the organization process, and some tips to help the process go smoother.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Trails are excellent features that encourage the public to get active and enjoy nature.
Carefully planned and constructed trails can be a major attraction at a park or natural area.
And that means they can also get a lot of traffic. And, as you probably know, lots of traffic can cause trail issues.
Even well-constructed trails need routine inspections and maintenance. Resolving any emerging drainage, erosion, and tread issues quickly saves time, money, and resources in the long run.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss some of the more common trail problems. Then we will dive into a few trail maintenance tasks to consider scheduling in your workflow.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Playgrounds are one of the most popular features in our parks. They are an excellent place for kids to blow off some steam, socialize, and develop their strength and motor skills.
In most areas, more children and families use playgrounds during the summer months. As the summer wears on, the increased usage often means a greater risk of damaged equipment or unsafe conditions.
Regular playground inspections are one of the most effective ways of discovering and addressing safety issues before they become major problems.
Conducting and documenting playground inspections is a crucial task that benefits the public, the agencies, and park employees.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss the types of playground inspections, Certified Playground Inspector requirements, and how everyone benefits from them.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Park surfacing is a key feature of a safe playground. We’ve come a long way from the sand and gravel playgrounds of future generations.
In the last episode, we discussed the various loose-fill materials used for playground surfaces. For some playgrounds, loose-fill materials make a suitable playground surface solution. However, this type of playground surfacing has some drawbacks, which may make you wonder what else is available.
Parks and recreation agencies looking for more accessible, consistent surfacing may use unitary materials for their playgrounds.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss some options for unitary surfacing, how well they perform, and the maintenance needed to keep them in the best condition.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Playgrounds are some of a parks and recreation agency’s most important assets. But they could also be some of the most dangerous. According to the National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI), over 79% of all playground accidents are from children falling onto improper or poorly maintained surfacing. In fact, surfacing is number 1 of the NPSI’s Dirty Dozen playground hazards.
Choosing and maintaining suitable surface material for a playground helps reduce the risk of serious injuries.
But what is suitable for your playgrounds? There are many types of playground surfaces to choose from--each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss some of the more common loose-fill surface options. We’ll examine their safety, durability, cost, and maintenance needs.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Your turfgrass survived another summer. With a lot of hard work--and a little luck--it still looks pretty good.
Great! It’s time to keep the momentum going because the end of summer will come soon enough. As we get closer to the cooler, shorter days, we're easing into a critical time for turfgrass health. It's an opportunity to provide the conditions to help lawns recover from summer and grow stronger as the cooler weather arrives.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we talk about the tasks to start planning to grow more resilient, durable, and healthy turfgrass. A few things can really make a big difference, so let’s get started.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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If you have trails and paths that joggers, cyclists, and moms with strollers all use, there’s a good chance they’re made of asphalt.
And it makes sense. Asphalt has plenty of benefits. It provides a smooth surface. The color allows for high-contrast markings helping manage pedestrian traffic. The flexibility of asphalt allows it to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and last longer.
When properly installed and maintained, it could last well over twenty years.
This episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast will give you a better understanding of asphalt and the types used in paths. Then, we discuss ways to inspect and maintain asphalt paths to keep them safer, looking better, and lasting longer .___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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As the weather gets nicer, more activities get held outdoors. Some of those activities may go on until well after dark. Many parks have lighting systems to accommodate those that prefer evening recreation.
But what impact are those lights having on the local area?
Light pollution is an often overlooked and misunderstood problem affecting our communities and ecosystems. Many parks agencies have lighting that is outdated, brighter than necessary, or improperly directed.
There is good news--once we make the effort to reduce light pollution, we start noticing a difference very quickly.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss light pollution, its effects, and what agencies can do to reduce it.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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One type of playground gaining more popularity may be surprising. Some parks and municipalities go more “natural” with their playground features.
After all, there are so many benefits of being in nature. As parks agencies, we have the opportunity and obligation to encourage those of all ages to reconnect with nature.
Natural playgrounds provide unique, stimulating play places for children to explore and interact with nature. Careful planning and design can create a space that suits the needs of the community's youngest members.
Like any playground, natural playgrounds require maintenance and inspections to ensure they are safe and functional. The planning process should take into account the maintenance team’s resources to inspect and maintain the park.
This episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast will give you a primer on natural playgrounds, nature-based playgrounds, and their maintenance requirements.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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When you notice something strange happening to your turf, there’s a good chance that fungus is to blame. Fungal lawn diseases are common lawn issues--Some fungal more severe than others.
Luckily there are ways to prevent and help your turf bounce back from fungal lawn diseases. It starts with understanding the often subtle differences among the diseases to help you know the most appropriate way to care for the affected area.
This episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast highlights some of the most common fungal lawn diseases, what they look like, and how to treat them.
You will also get some tips to make your turf more resilient to lawn disease and these microscopic menaces.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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It may be just 10 or 15 minutes of your morning, but it could significantly impact how your team handles the rest of the day. Yes, team huddles can be effective--essential even.
Leaders who take advantage of team huddles can align the team, focus on the day, and help build rapport with each other.
Are you ready to lead your maintenance team into the busy growing season? Then maybe it’s time to learn one effective strategy to get your team up to speed while setting the tone for the day.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss team huddles, how to focus these short meetings, and tips to make the most out of them.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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It’s that time of year again. Baseball and softball leagues are squaring off on your baseball diamonds. Maintaining ballfields helps keep the players safe and the fields looking great.
Your fields will probably take a beating throughout the summer. The best way to keep your fields maintained: scheduling ballfield preventative maintenance early…and often.
Routine inspections and maintenance can help ensure the smaller issues don’t become expensive and hazardous problems to fix. Not to mention it keeps those in risk management from banging on your office door.
In today's episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we talk about some tasks to consider and schedule to help your ballfields during the season.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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We’re doing fine with paper work orders. Why bother with digital work orders?
As a maintenance manager, you’ll probably deal with this comment at some point. Everything is going more digital, paper records are becoming a thing of the past. So is it time to switch to a digital work order system?
Every agency is different. The personnel, procedures, and data needed are more complicated than a one-size-fits-all approach. Finding what’s best for your team while easily capturing the data you need can be more challenging than it seems.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we take a closer look at paper and digital work orders. Then we’ll go over the pros and cons of each.
By the end of this episode, you may have a better understanding of which type of work order system best suits your agency’s needs.
Let’s get started!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Increasing concerns about food sources have a lot of people considering growing their own food. Growing food in a garden provides fresh organic produce for a healthier lifestyle. There’s also a sense of satisfaction after harvesting your own fruits and vegetables.
Community gardens offer an excellent opportunity for both gardening enthusiasts and novice green thumbs to have a space to grow their food and hone their skills. These gardens also encourage those in your community to get outdoors, be active, and socialize with their neighbors.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss what is a community garden, how it benefits the community, and some things to think about before creating one.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Linear parks are growing in popularity in many urban areas. They offer a unique opportunity to transform old, unused infrastructure into spaces for recreation.
These parks do more than breathe new life into unused land. Linear parks also offer the community several social, economic, and environmental benefits.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we take a closer look at what is a linear park. Then we discuss how linear parks impact an agency, the community, and the environment.
Finally, we will touch on some maintenance considerations for this unique type of park.
Developing a linear park in your area offers an exciting opportunity that may provide benefits for generations to come.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Making the best use of your time when planting new trees or shrubs for your outdoor assets.
Investing a little extra time in the planning and preparation of a planting site helps to ensure your trees or shrubs establish and flourish for many years to come.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss the best practices for ensuring your trees and shrubs get planted in an appropriate spot.
Next, we’ll give you a guide about what to do with your new trees and shrubs after planting and as they are getting established.
In time, you may have beautiful natural landscape features that may be enjoyed for generations.
Happy planting!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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You’ve probably heard…There was a pet owners boom during the pandemic.
Over 23 million households (about 19% total) bought a pet during the pandemic.
And many of those pets and their owners will be looking for something to do for the next ten years or so.
Inflation and other economic issues are causing more people--including pet owners--to choose apartments or smaller residences. They often need a place to bring their dogs because they don’t have large fenced-in backyards.
Dog parks offer a park amenity that benefits just about everyone.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we take a closer look at dog parks, how they benefit the public (even non-dog owners), and what to consider when adding one to your site.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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When a park or facility has a maintenance issue, time matters. Minor issues often become big problems if they are not addressed promptly.
Establishing a work order system is one of the best ways to identify and fix issues efficiently. Work orders play a fundamental role in most maintenance departments. When the system operates well, maintenance managers and their teams stay organized, prioritize appropriately, and help prevent disruptions in workflow or programming.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss work orders, their life cycles, and why they’re important. Then we’ll give you some tips on how to make your work order system more effective and less time-consuming. ___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Few things are as satisfying as seeing lush, full lawns in your parks or athletic fields. It takes a lot of work to get them there. And just as much--if not more-- turf maintenance to get them through the growing season.
Taking care of your turf in early spring helps prepare it for the growing season. Strong, healthy lawns are more resilient to weather conditions, foot traffic, and recreational programming.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss lawn care best practices you and your team can schedule for your assets this spring.
Start early, be consistent with care, and record everything you do. Your community will notice much healthier, appealing lawns.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Signs convey an important message and impression to those who see them. Depending on the type of sign, they could be a sizable investment. And, with any investment, you want to make sure you get the most out of it.
Protecting that investment from the elements and vandalism ensures signs serve their purpose for as long as possible.
Sign maintenance may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but it can make a huge impact on how your sign looks and how visitors perceive your asset.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss some best practices to help ensure signs are maintained.
Then we discuss methods to remove graffiti from signs and some quick tips to help prevent it.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Signs serve a vital purpose in our parks and facilities.
In fact, park and facility signs may be one of the biggest amenities most people take for granted. Visitors use them for direction, instruction, education, and even their own protection.
Often, signs are the first thing that welcomes visitors and are present throughout the whole user experience.
So you want to make sure your signs serve their purpose for as long as possible.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we are going to take a closer look at signs. If you’re adding these important fixtures to a new facility or replacing existing ones, here are some things to consider to communicate your message effectively.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Now that many conferences and trade shows are returning as in-person events, it’s a great time to brush up on the best practices to make the most of these networking opportunities.
Networking at a conference is an excellent opportunity to connect with potential mentors, support systems, and future employers.
For many, conversations initiated during unstructured times of conferences are just as important as the educational sessions.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we talk about a few simple things to do before, during, and after a conference or trade show to make the most of the networking opportunity.
Whether you’re a new professional or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a great refresher on successfully navigating conference and networking opportunities.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Playground technology has come a long way since most of us were kids. And playground trends have changed. Complete playground systems have replaced the days of the slide, swings, monkey bars, and teeter-totters. These playgrounds are safer, more interactive, and provide enjoyment for a diverse range of youth and young-at-heart.
And there are so many design options these days!
That’s right. You won’t have a shortage of playground structures and features to consider. Choosing one could be daunting. The experiences you want to provide the public should help guide the process.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss a few predominant and interconnected themes present in many modern parks. We will also talk about how to choose the right playground features for your area.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Parks and recreation agencies have the responsibility to protect the safety of those using their parks and facilities. This responsibility includes identifying, addressing, and minimizing risk in areas and programming.
Risk occurs when a hazard may cause personal injury, property or environmental damage, economic loss, or death. Hazards are conditions unknown or misunderstood by visitors that may result in injury.
Of course, many recreational activities have inherent risks.
So how do we strike a balance between protecting staff and visitors at our sites and providing quality experiences that meet their personal preferences?
By creating a risk management plan.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, learn why these plans are important, the phases of risk managment, and the maintenance department’s role in keeping guests and employees safer.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Winter is tough on facility roofs, especially in the northern climates of the United States. A roofing issue can lead to a variety of problems affecting the operations of a facility.
But, as we’ve all witnessed, winter weather can strike just about any place in the country. The snow, wind, ice, and frigid temperatures can quickly turn a minor roofing issue into a big deal.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss common winter roofing problems facilities face.
Also, we touch on what to look out for before, during, and after a winter storm hits. Get a few tips on how to help prevent roofing issues when the winter weather comes around.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Some great leaders are born that way. But, in reality, most aren’t.
In fact, it’s estimated only 10 percent of people are natural-born leaders.
So how do the others develop effective leadership skills?
They learn how to lead. They cultivate excellent leadership skills through trial and error and spend time in self-examination. These emerging leaders accept feedback and enlist the help of mentors. They understand becoming a great leader is a process.
And they develop a leadership mindset--a set of beliefs and attitudes that shape how they impact and influence others.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we take a closer look at what a leadership mindset is, why it’s important, and how to start developing it.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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The beginning of the year is when many people try to create (and stick to) healthier routines. According to IHRSA, gym membership usually spikes 4 percent points in January, accounting for 12% of all new annual memberships.
Another significant number to consider: about 50% of new gym members are lost by six months.
There are several reasons people quit their gym memberships—some you can’t control.
But your team can certainly control some things. For example, creating an inclusive environment, supporting the achievement of patrons’ fitness goals, and providing excellent customer service experiences.
And, of course, making sure the facility is clean and well-maintained. People want to exercise in a clean facility with machines that work. Dirty, unsanitary workout spaces with unmaintained equipment will cost memberships.
The extra effort of creating positive experiences for partons pays off, because retaining memberships are much more profitable than seeking new ones.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss why it’s important to maintain a gym and some tasks to include for a better, safer recreation facility.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action -https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
In 2022, the National Interagency Fire Center reported over 7.4 million acres were burned by 65,646 wildfires--the most recorded in the past ten years.
We’ve all seen the headlines about wildfires. They cause disruptions to transportation, communications, utilities, and water supplies. Wildfires cost the economy billions annually. Uncontrolled fires result in losses in property, crops, resources, animals, and human life.
Hazardous and damaging wildfires typically happen under extreme conditions like droughts or high winds. The grounds often have an excessive build-up of woody debris and dense vegetation because controlled fires have not been through the areas in decades or longer.
To some, it may seem strange to set fire to a natural area intentionally. When done correctly, however, prescribed burns (sometimes called controlled burns) can benefit the land and environment.
This article will investigate why burning helps natural areas and what happens before, during, and after a controlled burn.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
If you live in certain parts of the country, snow is inevitable.
If your agency does snow removal in-house, drivers will face some hazardous conditions. Routine vehicle inspections and staying stocked with emergency equipment like fire extinguishers, reflective warning devices, and road flairs are good starting points for preparing your plows.
But you'll want to go that extra mile...
Ensuring the truck is appropriately stocked with winter safety gear, and emergency replacement parts prepare your drivers for whatever issues arise.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we're talking about some of the things to make sure each plow has before starting its route and why they need them.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What's Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Seasonal and lower-wage positions are common for many maintenance teams. Parks maintenance managers often struggle to keep these employees motivated.
We all wish there were enough money to pay higher rates for all the help, but budgets only stretch so far. While pay can be a strong motivator, it’s not the only thing compelling people to show up and do their duties each day.
So how do you keep teams motivated, invested, and positive?
Here’s some good news: There are some relatively simple (and free) things you can do that have a big impact on employee motivation.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we’ll dive into the topic of employee motivation.
We will touch on 6 ways you could keep your team motivated. By investing a little extra time and effort as a manager, you could see some very big ROI regarding your workflow.
Let's get started...
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
To those that don't know, invasive plant species can be attractive, fragrant, and even welcomed additions to gardens and landscaping.
Actually, many invasive plants started in people’s gardens.
They got introduced to an area from different countries. Since they lacked natural predators, they were able to thrive. And then they started taking over…
In today’s episode of The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss plants that are harming our natural environment, economy, and even our health.
Invasive plants--directly and indirectly--cost the United States over $100 billion annually. And it’s likely that they’re residing in some of your parks and natural areas.
We’ll go over some of the common invasive species found throughout the country. Then we’ll discuss what can be done about it.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
We all want to love our careers, especially if we work in parks and recreation. Being outdoors, using our skills for better parks and facilities, and making a difference in the community can be very rewarding.
But almost every job has some level of stress. A parks maintenance team gets pulled in a lot of directions. The growing season can get extremely busy. Issues pop up at multiple sites. Equipment breaks. Staff call off.
How we handle that stress plays a significant role in our work satisfaction.
A chaotic environment takes more energy to stay focused. The work-related stress may take its toll on your team. That stress could lead to burnout.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss burnout, the signs someone is struggling with it, and how to address it in the workplace.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Climate change has brought its fair share of challenges. Heat waves, severe weather, and uncontrolled wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense. We’re dealing with more losses to property, natural habits, and life.
One way to help reduce the impacts of these hazards is through nature-based solutions. This green infrastructure practice involves finding more natural ways to prevent and manage natural disasters and climate change-related hazards. Nature-based solutions can help save property, lives, and a community’s economy.
Some of these solutions are relatively easy fixes, while others require a collaboration of sustainable planning, engineering, developing, and maintaining an area to make it more resilient and adaptable.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss some common nature-based solutions and how they contribute to an asset’s financial, social, and environmental impact.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action -https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
You don’t often hear “recreation” and “emergency management” used in the same sentence. It may seem hard to discover a connection between the two things.
But when you take a closer look, Parks & Recreation departments can be invaluable resources for communities in the case of a disaster or emergency.
Effective emergency management means being creative, adaptable, and resourceful despite the challenges of a crisis. A parks department's resources--human and property--can aid with emergency management before, during, and after a situation.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss how parks and recreation agencies can assist with emergency management. We will also share some ways parks departments can prepare for disaster.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Every workday morning starts with dispatching safe, reliable vehicles so the maintenance team can complete their daily tasks.
It’s easy to take for granted the critical role vehicles play in the maintenance department’s workflow.
And then…
Usually, at the worst possible time, one of the vehicles breaks down.
Everyone’s schedule gets thrown off. You realize just how crucial working vehicles are to the team.
Not every breakdown can be avoided, but there are things you can do to help reduce the chances of vehicle issues. Regular vehicle inspections help to ensure your moving assets are safe, clean, and operate efficiently.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss why you should schedule regular vehicle inspections and what to include in them.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
As a manager or supervisor, have you fallen into this trap?
You spend time and energy on employee selection, hiring, and training. Once the workers are on the job, they get left to their own devices.
You let them find their bearings, have the team help manage issues, and deal with the bigger picture.
Before you know it, it’s time for the performance review. This extra paperwork seems more like a formality to please the HR department than anything else.
You’re not alone. That’s how it happens for a lot of agencies.
But what if evaluating employee performance was more than a formality?
Something that can actually benefit you, your team, and your agency?
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we talk about why it is important to evaluate maintenance employees, give an example of the evaluation process, and finish off with some considerations you want to make while evaluating an employee. ___________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Keep your pickleball courts safe and looking their best for years to come!
After spending the time and money installing a pickleball court, you will want to protect that investment. Pickleball court maintenance helps to increase the playing area’s lifespan and keep it looking good.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss the different components of a pickleball court, what to look for during inspections, and how to maintain them.
We’ll also touch on how to maintain your pickleball court if it doesn’t get used in the winter.
A little maintenance goes a long way. After all, you want to catch any small issues before they turn into something requiring an expensive repair.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
You’ve heard the public’s opinion. They want pickleball courts! So how are you going to deliver?
High demand shouldn’t keep your agency from making sound decisions about the best placement and option for installing a pickleball court. Each type of pickleball court installation comes with its set of pros and cons.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we explore the common pickleball court installation options available to many parks and recreation agencies.
Here’s the good news: You can set up a pickleball court with just about any available budget. We will explore cost-friendly options for setting up a pickleball court and creating brand-new courts.
And we’ll briefly touch on the pros and cons of each installation option.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
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SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport. Its popularity surged during the height of the pandemic. More and more parks and recreation departments are installing pickleball courts--or getting requests from the community to add some.
If you’re not familiar with pickleball, you may be wondering what you need to add pickleball courts to your parks or facilities. Or if pickleball can be played on regular tennis courts.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, you will get a brief primer on the sport of pickleball, how pickleball courts compare to badminton and tennis courts, and what to consider before installing a pickleball court.
Ready to learn more about adding pickleball courts to your assets? Let’s get started.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Your maintenance team has been doing things one way for as long as anyone can remember. Now the decision to shake things up is met with plenty of mumbled (or not so mumbled) complaints and resistance.
Implementing something new, like computerized maintenance management software (CMMS), takes people out of their comfort zones. But it doesn’t mean they have to stay out of those zones--they simply redefine what is comfortable.
Addressing resistance in a calm, factual manner helps to address fears and concerns--and maybe even quiet the grumbling.
In this episode, we’ll discuss some of the more common initial resistance examples we’ve encountered with teams that ultimately made the leap to save time, money, and headaches by implementing maintenance management software.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
At some point, you will be looking for your next big maintenance equipment purchase. As you probably already know, there is a lot of building maintenance equipment available.
How will you know what is best for your facility?
After all, there are a lot of distractions--the latest technology, newest innovations, hottest trends, and ads targeted at you.
Or you just might want a newer version of something you’ve already purchased without looking for other (and better) options.
Invest in the best equipment based on your agency’s needs. In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we’ll review the 7 questions you should ask yourself before making a maintenance equipment purchase.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next? SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Many park districts, parks & recreation departments, and municipalities streamline their operations, registration, marketing, and maintenance tasks with the help of software.
Let’s face it. The days of managing complicated operations tasks with just word documents, spreadsheets, and an email account are becoming a thing of the past.
And for a good reason!
Good software is designed to make our lives easier. When software is created with our specific industry in mind, the benefits and features address the unique challenges we face daily.
In today’s episode, we discuss the types of parks and recreation software available and how they help the everyday operations of agencies.
Join us with an open mind as you discover what is possible with the help of parks and recreation software! __________________________________________________________________________
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
For many parts of the country, snow removal is an inevitable part of the winter workflow. The mowers get placed in storage. The snow throwers come out.
So are your snow throwers ready for the inevitable snowfall?
Does your team know how to operate them safely?
Is your crew prepared for snow removal during non-business hours if needed?
In this episode, we talk about what you need to do with your snow throwers--and the team using them--before it snows. Then we’ll go over what to do after it snows and why it’s important to track the time spent with snow removal.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
When chainsaws are maintained and used correctly, they are powerful, useful tools helping with tree care and removal, clearing thick brush, and cutting fallen branches into movable pieces.
Conversely, chainsaws could be one of the most dangerous pieces of small equipment your team uses when handled and maintained incorrectly.
(Just ask anyone that unexpectedly had the chainsaw kick back at them.)
In this episode, we will discuss chainsaw maintenance and safety. We will also review some things to keep in mind before, during, and after using a chainsaw.
Let’s get those chains sharpened and get started!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next? SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
More parks & recreation departments are adopting sustainability plans to ensure better health for the planet and find ways to save energy, work more efficiently, and preserve the land they manage.
A sustainability plan provides strategies to address an agency's impact on the social, economic, and environmental health of the community and beyond. It also allows agencies to reasonably continue programs, partnerships, and activities in the long term.
In this episode, we will discuss sustainability plan benefits and some of the common initiatives parks and recreation departments are adopting in their plans.
You will also hear a couple of tips on how to get started creating a sustainability plan.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Running a maintenance department requires a special set of leadership skills. Maintenance managers must possess a particular skill set to ensure their crew gets on the same page and executes the tasks that need completion.
Sure, there are obvious skills any leader should have, like communication, integrity, accountability, and the ability to delegate. We’re not going to head down that well-worn trail of obvious leadership qualities.
In this episode, we’re going to look at some of the unique or overlooked skills that can help parks and recreation maintenance managers excel in their vocations.
Here are 4 essential leadership skills we’ve noticed in the maintenance leaders we worked with…
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
In the perfect world, everyone on the maintenance crew is on the same page about what needs completion and how to get it done. Just like your mowers and equipment, you want to be sure employees are working in harmony to efficiently complete tasks.
But that isn’t always the case. There are plenty of reasons maintenance crews fall out of sync…that topic probably deserves its own podcast.
Instead, we’re going to focus on getting the team back in sync.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a way to get your maintenance team aligned and focused on the correct, safest, and most efficient ways of doing things.
In this episode, we discuss what a standard operating procedure is, how it can benefit a parks and recreation maintenance team, and tips for writing effective SOPs.
If you’re looking to create new standard operating procedures or revise existing ones, this episode will help you better focus on focusing your team.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
What do you do with your commercial mowers once the growing season is over? After all, they probably got a good workout--maybe even dinged up a little by the seasonal workers.
After the last mowing, don’t just roll the mowers to the back of the garage and forget about them until spring. The end of the mowing season is a perfect time for inspecting and winterizing commercial lawn mowers.
In this episode, we will discuss some things to do before the mowers make it into storage for a well-deserved break.
We’ll talk about the essential tasks to do so your mowers are ready for that quick-growing springtime turf. Because, as we all know, spring comes fast, and needing to service mowers due to improper storage will throw off workflow at a crucial time.
Finally, we’ll touch on why it’s important to keep records of all your mower maintenance tasks to save time and money.
Let’s get started!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Is your maintenance team struggling with time management? Does the backlog keep piling up? Not sure what your team is doing on their shift?
Often, time management problems for the maintenance team reflect underlying issues. When planning, scheduling, and effective communication get established, time management begins falling into place.
In today's episode, we talk about the process of planning and scheduling tasks, who should do it, and how everything needs to be communicated.
You will also get a few tips for communicating time management better.
If you’re interested in creating a tighter workflow, more productivity, and better asset management, this episode is a great starting point.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Do you know one of the best things most maintenance teams love about paperwork? Finding ways to reduce it!
Reducing paperwork and simplifying processes is the idea behind standing work orders. Creating standing work orders can save time and administration costs. But there are some things to consider before adding them to your workflow.
In today’s episode, we are going to talk about what is a standing work order and the benefits of using them in a maintenance department. We will also give you some things to consider to make more effective standing work orders.
Finally, we will give you a quick example of how industry-specfic maintenance management software can make the standing work order process easier.
Let’s get started!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
LEARN MORE & schedule a demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Our facilities need attention to stay operational. Scheduling facility maintenance tasks and inspections help your agency detect and resolve issues before they become big problems.
When done correctly, facility maintenance often goes unnoticed. Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, preventative maintenance addresses needs before they affect programming and operations.
In this episode, we are going to talk about 7 areas of a facility that need regular inspections. We will also go over some tips on what to look for during these inspections.
With a little extra time spent checking, monitoring, and reporting findings, you’ll have a more reliable and comfortable facility for the patrons and staff.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
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Parks & recreation departments provide safe, attractive, and fun environments for visitors to enjoy. The daily work of the maintenance department helps ensure public safety as they enjoy our assets.
Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted the ways parks maintenance departments help keep the public safe. But when we take a closer look at all they do to ensure public safety, we realize just how important it is to instill a culture of safety among the crew.
In this episode, we explore the ways the maintenance department promotes public safety. We will also talk about some ways you can solidify a culture of safety in your team.
Help make your visitors safer and your risk management professionals less stressed out--give the episode a listen!
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Parks and Recreation Departments accommodate busy schedules by providing after-dark programming. As we head into late summer and the days inevitably get shorter, evening activities taking place outside require outdoor lighting.
Agencies need to ensure areas where programming occurs get lit appropriately. It’s often a delicate balance. Not enough light and the programming may become unsafe and unenjoyable. Too much light causes light pollution and may get complaints from the neighbors.
Today we will talk about commercial outdoor lighting systems and why they are important.
We also will list some commercial outdoor lighting maintenance tasks you may want to incorporate into your inspection and preventative maintenance schedules.
Hopefully, this episode sheds some light on your commercial outdoor lighting.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog (https://productiveparks.com/blog).
What’s Next?
SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3w8OBmlidtNLntib1-6cw?sub_confirmation=1
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action - https://productiveparks.com/features/overview
Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks - https://productiveparks.com/demo
Playground safety is one of the most critical responsibilities of a parks and recreation department. The work we do to ensures the safety of playgrounds so children and families can safely enjoy our assets and create memories.
Playground safety inspections benefit just about everyone--the public, your agency, and the maintenance department.
Regular playground safety inspections are one of the most effective ways of discovering and addressing safety issues before they become a significant problem--or painful injury.
Today will take a closer look at playground safety inspections and give some tips and resources to help you set up a system for inspecting your agency’s parks.
Help your colleagues out! If you have any playground safety inspection tips, please share them by commenting below.
Ready? Let’s get started...
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
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Carefully planning lawn care for hot, dry weather can help turfgrass bounce back when the weather becomes more moderate.
For parks and recreation agencies, lawn care is even more tricky. Summer programming and visitor usage can take a toll on already stressed turfgrass. Remaining observant and proactive to the needs of the soil and turf is crucial during droughts.
Today we are discussing lawn care before, during, and after a drought. When we care for turfgrass assuming there will eventually be drought-like conditions, we’re making the lawn healthier regardless of what the weather brings.
These lawn care and mowing tips will help make conditions more favorable for turfgrass to establish a robust root system and survive drought
The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
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Gas prices are at an all-time high (and they don’t seem to be going down anytime soon). Parks and Recreation agency operating budgets are feeling the strain. Is it time to change mowing habits for good?
Your team may have a set mowing routine they’ve been doing for years, but maybe it’s time to reconsider.
Today we’re going to talk about some lawn mowing tips and tricks to help your agency save some money.
By mowing less and mowing smarter, you could reduce fuel costs and free up some time for other projects. You may find changing your mowing habits now can save on fuel costs each growing season.
Let’s get started...
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
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How do we complete our task and job scheduling so it doesn’t interfere with the visitor experience?
Parks and recreation departments have a lot of moving parts. Keeping everything working seamlessly is no small task.
And let’s face it: Those using our parks and facilities have little knowledge or interest in the maintenance and job scheduling required to keep things running smoothly. The only time visitors even consider maintenance work is when an area is in an unacceptable condition or the maintenance crew distracts from their experience.
So how can we make sure all maintenance work gets completed without being distracting?
Today, we’re going to talk about 4 things to consider for minimizing conflicts during job scheduling.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
What’s Next? SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts
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If your crew is the heart and muscle of the maintenance department, then your vehicles and heavy equipment are the backbones your crew relies on to get work completed.
Fleet maintenance can get complicated. Monitoring and maintaining all the vehicles in your fleet requires an established system. The better your system, the lower the chance of preventable breakdowns.
So how do you even begin to create a fleet maintenance system?
Here are some steps to help ensure your vehicles are safe, dependable, and ready to respond when needed.
Get tips on how to set the framework for a fleet maintenance plan, how to get your team to notice small issues before they become bigger ones, and how to determine replacement schedules for your vehicles.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
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Parks & recreation professionals wear many hats. One of the most important “hats” is being a steward of natural areas. This stewardship is a vital responsibility impacting current visitors and future generations.
People need places to escape from the frantic pace of modern life. In fact, studies show spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, irritability, symptoms of anxiety & depression, and provide other health benefits.
Our parks and natural areas are one of the most important assets enjoyed by people of all ages. Caring for our parks inspires others to do their part to help the environment.
The maintenance team is the eyes and ears of these natural areas. They care for the landscape, keep it clean, and ensure sites are safe.
We are going to look at some of the ways that agencies and maintenance departments help protect the environment, preserve natural areas, and keep them beautiful for years to come.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
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Times are changing. The beginning of this decade dramatically accelerated the change. Many people reevaluated their priorities and professional goals.
Baby boomers are retiring. People are switching careers. Employees demand more from their employers. Motivation in the workplace is changing.
The younger workforce isn’t interested in how the way things used to be. Their ideals, lifestyles, and attitudes towards careers may be different than what we’re used to seeing. Yet, young workers can be a valuable asset to any parks & recreation.
So how do we create motivation in the workplace for young workers?
In this episode, we are going to talk about some ways we can attract (and keep) younger workers through our culture, benefits, and technology.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
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Parks & recreation departments offer the opportunity for people to unplug from devices and enjoy experiences to enhance their physical, mental, and social lives. Sports get a wide range of people outdoors, active, and interacting with each other.
Baseball and softball are perfect examples.
Our maintenance crews need to be on top of baseball field maintenance to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those participating.
In this episode, we will talk about some baseball field maintenance tips and best practices to help ensure that you have safe, amazing-looking fields.
If you’re ready to set up a system that will have your baseball fields looking great all season long, check out this quick primer.
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The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast is for busy professionals working to change the game in the Parks and Recreation field. If you liked this episode, please check out more of our park and recreation maintenance podcasts or view some articles on our blog.
What’s Next? SUBSCRIBE to Stay Updated About Future Productive Parks Podcasts
SEE A QUICK VIDEO of Productive Parks in Action
Let’s Connect! Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks