The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast

Episode #34: Do Your Natural Areas Need Prescribed Burns?

In 2022, the National Interagency Fire Center reported over 7.4 million acres were burned by 65,646 wildfires--the most recorded in the past ten years. 
We’ve all seen the headlines about wildfires. They cause disruptions to transportation, communications, utilities, and water supplies. Wildfires cost the economy billions annually. Uncontrolled fires result in losses in property, crops, resources, animals, and human life. 
Hazardous and damaging wildfires typically happen under extreme conditions like droughts or high winds. The grounds often have an excessive build-up of woody debris and dense vegetation because controlled fires have not been through the areas in decades or longer.
To some, it may seem strange to set fire to a natural area intentionally. When done correctly, however, prescribed burns (sometimes called controlled burns) can benefit the land and environment. 
This article will investigate why burning helps natural areas and what happens before, during, and after a controlled burn.
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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 #33: What Plow Drivers Should Keep in Their Trucks

If you live in certain parts of the country, snow is inevitable.
If your agency does snow removal in-house, drivers will face some hazardous conditions. Routine vehicle inspections and staying stocked with emergency equipment like fire extinguishers, reflective warning devices, and road flairs are good starting points for preparing your plows. 
But you'll want to go that extra mile...
Ensuring the truck is appropriately stocked with winter safety gear, and emergency replacement parts prepare your drivers for whatever issues arise. 
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we're talking about some of the things to make sure each plow has before starting its route and why they need them.
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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 #32: Motivating Employees for Better Job Satisfaction

Seasonal and lower-wage positions are common for many maintenance teams. Parks maintenance managers often struggle to keep these employees motivated. 
We all wish there were enough money to pay higher rates for all the help, but budgets only stretch so far. While pay can be a strong motivator, it’s not the only thing compelling people to show up and do their duties each day.
So how do you keep teams motivated, invested, and positive?
Here’s some good news: There are some relatively simple (and free) things you can do that have a big impact on employee motivation.
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we’ll dive into the topic of employee motivation.
We will touch on 6 ways you could keep your team motivated. By investing a little extra time and effort as a manager, you could see some very big ROI regarding your workflow.
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 #31: Managing Invasive Plant Species in Our Parks

To those that don't know, invasive plant species can be attractive, fragrant, and even welcomed additions to gardens and landscaping. 
Actually, many invasive plants started in people’s gardens. 
They got introduced to an area from different countries. Since they lacked natural predators, they were able to thrive. And then they started taking over…
In today’s episode of The Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss plants that are harming our natural environment, economy, and even our health.
Invasive plants--directly and indirectly--cost the United States over $100 billion annually. And it’s likely that they’re residing in some of your parks and natural areas. 
We’ll go over some of the common invasive species found throughout the country. Then we’ll discuss what can be done about 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 #30: Managing Burnout in Maintenance Teams

We all want to love our careers, especially if we work in parks and recreation. Being outdoors, using our skills for better parks and facilities, and making a difference in the community can be very rewarding. 
But almost every job has some level of stress. A parks maintenance team gets pulled in a lot of directions. The growing season can get extremely busy. Issues pop up at multiple sites. Equipment breaks. Staff call off.
How we handle that stress plays a significant role in our work satisfaction. 
A chaotic environment takes more energy to stay focused. The work-related stress may take its toll on your team. That stress could lead to burnout.
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss burnout, the signs someone is struggling with it, and how to address it in the workplace.
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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 #29: Nature Based Solutions for Parks Departments

Climate change has brought its fair share of challenges. Heat waves, severe weather, and uncontrolled wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense. We’re dealing with more losses to property, natural habits, and life.
One way to help reduce the impacts of these hazards is through nature-based solutions. This green infrastructure practice involves finding more natural ways to prevent and manage natural disasters and climate change-related hazards. Nature-based solutions can help save property, lives, and a community’s economy.
Some of these solutions are relatively easy fixes, while others require a collaboration of sustainable planning, engineering, developing, and maintaining an area to make it more resilient and adaptable. 
In today’s episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss some common nature-based solutions and how they contribute to an asset’s financial, social, and environmental impact. 
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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 #28: Emergency Management in Parks and Recreation Organizations

You don’t often hear “recreation” and “emergency management” used in the same sentence. It may seem hard to discover a connection between the two things. 
But when you take a closer look, Parks & Recreation departments can be invaluable resources for communities in the case of a disaster or emergency. 
Effective emergency management means being creative, adaptable, and resourceful despite the challenges of a crisis. A parks department's resources--human and property--can aid with emergency management before, during, and after a situation. 
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss how parks and recreation agencies can assist with emergency management. We will also share some ways parks departments can prepare for disaster. 
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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 #27: Setting Up Vehicle Inspections for Your Fleet

Every workday morning starts with dispatching safe, reliable vehicles so the maintenance team can complete their daily tasks. 
It’s easy to take for granted the critical role vehicles play in the maintenance department’s workflow. 
And then…
Usually, at the worst possible time, one of the vehicles breaks down.
Everyone’s schedule gets thrown off. You realize just how crucial working vehicles are to the team.
Not every breakdown can be avoided, but there are things you can do to help reduce the chances of vehicle issues. Regular vehicle inspections help to ensure your moving assets are safe, clean, and operate efficiently. 
In this episode of the Productive Parks 5-Minute Podcast, we discuss why you should schedule regular vehicle inspections and what to include in them.  
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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