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

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!  ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

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). 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

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.  ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

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.  .___________________________________________________________________________ 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