The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast

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?
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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 #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

Episode #42: Sign Maintenance and Graffiti Removal

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).
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 #41: Tips for Adding Signs to Your Assets

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).
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 #40: Networking at Conferences and Trade Shows

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).
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 #39: Playground Planning Trends for 2023 and Beyond

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).
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 #38: Risk Management in Parks and Recreation

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).
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 #37: Winter Roofing Issues for Recreation Facilities

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).
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