The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast

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. ____________________________________________________________________________ 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. ____________________________________________________________________________ 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 LEARN MORE and Schedule a Demo of Productive Parks Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo

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.  ____________________________________________________________________________ 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

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.  ____________________________________________________________________________ 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

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. ____________________________________________________________________________ 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

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.  ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 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. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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’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. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

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.   ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

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.  ___________________________________________________________________________ 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? 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

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). 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

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.  _________________________________________________________________________ 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 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). 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 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.  ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 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.  ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 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! ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 Maintenance Management Software- https://productiveparks.com/demo