The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast

Episode #58: Understanding Playground Surfacing: Unitary Materials

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. 
___________________________________________________________________________
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

Episode #57: Understanding Playground Surfacing: Loose Fill Options

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.
.___________________________________________________________________________
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

Episode #56: Late Summer Turfgrass Management

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.
___________________________________________________________________________
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

Episode #55: Maintaining Asphalt Paths

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).
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

Episode #54: Light Pollution and What We Could Do About It

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.
___________________________________________________________________________
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

Episode #53: Natural Playgrounds: Is Old New Again?

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. 
___________________________________________________________________________
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

Episode #52: Common Fungal Lawn Diseases and How to Treat Them

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. 
___________________________________________________________________________
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

Episode #51: Holding Effective Maintenance Team Huddles

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.
___________________________________________________________________________
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