The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast

Episode #50: Ballfield Maintenance for Safer Softball and Baseball Games

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).
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

Episode #49: Paper vs. Digital Work Order Systems

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).
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#48: Developing and Maintaining a Community Garden

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).
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 #47: Linear Parks and Their Maintenance

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).
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 #46: Tips for Planting and Maintaining Trees

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).
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 #45: Should Your Agency Create a Dog Park?

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).
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 #44: Tips to Improve Your Work Order System

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).
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 #43: Spring Turf Maintenance: Preparing for the Growing Season

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).
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