Parks and recreation agencies come in all shapes and sizes. And at some point, all of them will come across challenges or problems. Despite how varied parks departments are, they have a lot of the same issues arise.
In this article, learn six common challenges park maintenance teams face and some ways other agencies have successfully approached them.
Aging Infrastructure
As parks and facilities age, they require more care. The extra time, money, and resources needed to maintain these assets can strain park maintenance teams and budgets.
At the very least, maintenance teams need to keep a detailed inventory of their assets. Then, regularly scheduled inspections can help managers keep tabs on the condition of each asset. Through preventative maintenance routines and timely repairs, maintenance teams may be able to extend the life of their assets and equipment.
Documenting repairs, inspection results, and asset conditions can give valuable insights to administrators and decision-makers about whether repairing or replacement is better. This understanding can help them budget for more timely replacements or the extra costs of repairs.
Weather and Environmental Factors
It’s no secret that we can’t control the weather. As areas cope with the effects of more severe weather and weather-related issues, learning to adjust can take many different forms.
Preventative maintenance can help buildings and structures withstand adverse weather. If roofs, drainage, HVAC, and other building systems are in the best possible condition, they are more resilient to extreme weather.
Defining and prioritizing tasks allows your staff to determine what needs to be done and what can be deferred until a weather system passes. Also, having clear channels to communicate weather-related damage and issues allows them to get on the maintenance team's radar more efficiently.
Finally, creating more resilient spaces to weather and environmental factors can help prevent damage or mitigate the effects of excessive precipitation, heat, or dry conditions. Nature-based solutions like using native plants for landscaping, grading landscapes for better drainage, creating rain gardens, and offering more shade areas are some ways to address weather-related issues.
Vandalism and Theft
Vandalism and theft can make your park and facility assets less desirable to the public and throw off your maintenance team’s regular schedule. Vandalism can also cause safety hazards and hasten the wear and tear of structures and equipment.
Maintenance teams need to address vandalism and theft as soon as possible. Like weather-related issues, there needs to be a clear communication channel to make the maintenance team aware of problems.
Installing more durable park furnishings can deter vandals. Graffiti-resistant outdoor furniture and anti-graffiti coatings make cleaning surfaces easier for the maintenance team. Also, adding additional lighting and surveillance can illuminate areas while observing and recording what happens in them.
Community involvement can instill a sense of pride in your park and facilities, which can reduce vandalism and make the public more willing to hold vandals accountable. Find unique ways for your community to get involved and take pride and ownership of their parks and facilities. Some ways to involve the community are hosting work days, providing volunteer opportunities, and hosting events featuring the sites.
Finally, keeping clear records about where and when vandalism occurs allows administrators and maintenance managers the opportunity to plan strategies to protect your most vulnerable assets.
Balancing Maintenance and Visitor Access
In the perfect world, your maintenance team would not have to cross paths with the public while completing their necessary tasks. Unfortunately, there are only so many hours in a day to get things done, and the public wants to enjoy your parks, facilities, and other amenities on their schedules.
A clear understanding of facility hours, usage patterns, programming schedules, and special events helps maintenance managers plan tasks around an asset’s busier times. Developing emergency repairs and maintenance plans can help different departments work together to ensure a positive user experience and complete necessary tasks.
Staffing Shortages
More than a quarter of parks and recreation agencies sought to increase their staff in 2024. Unfortunately, some were not able to fill the necessary open positions.
Agencies throughout the country face challenges filling seasonal, part-time, and even some full-time park and recreation roles. Many don’t have the budget to offer higher wages that would attract more potential hires.
But wages aren’t the only issue. Many people don’t know or understand that parks and recreation agencies can be an excellent place to work. Unlike doctors, lawyers, firefighters, and other high-profile professions, students are rarely exposed to information about parks and recreation careers. Many don’t even know it’s a thing.
Educating the public about employment opportunities and the purpose-driven aspects of parks and recreation work in the community may attract those who wouldn’t otherwise consider this type of work. Also, some agencies offer enticing perks like pool passes, gym memberships, or special access to events to attract more work. Developing a positive culture throughout the agency can also help with retaining employees.
When positions are still open, managers may have to look at their scheduling patterns and how they can be optimized to complete park operations. Cross-training staff can be helpful when quick substitutions are needed. Some agencies enlist the help of volunteers or service groups to help with bigger projects or tasks that are not as high priority.
Keeping Up with Technology
Keeping up with the latest technology, maintenance practices, and equipment could be challenging. Some individuals may feel too busy to take the time out of their day to learn something new. Others may fear technology will take their jobs. And then there are those who feel like they’ve done fine this long without the technology--what’s the point?
Resistance to change isn’t limited to park maintenance staff. It’s a common theme throughout agencies and industries. Finding ways to address and diminish the resistance can help staff approach technology, software, and new techniques with an open mind.
First, staff need to know the “why” of adopting new technology. For example, robotic field line painters can take care of a mundane, time-consuming task so park maintenance staff can focus on more pressing issues. Adopting maintenance management software can help create necessary data to better understand assets and the maintenance team’s needs.
New training opportunities, like industry conferences/workshops, can help staff understand how new technology helps them work better, not threaten their job security. Exposing staff to the possibilities of technology can open up discussions about new, more productive ways of doing things.
The Takeaway
By improving communication channels, understanding your assets, prioritizing tasks, and giving your staff opportunities to learn and grow, your agency may find some solutions to the common problems it faces. Strategic planning and Technology like computerized maintenance management software can be useful tools your maintenance team can use to improve operations.