Picnic shelters are an in-demand amenity found in many parks. They provide a place to eat, gather, or take a break from the sun.
Many of these buildings are fairly simple structures, but that doesn’t mean picnic shelter maintenance should be overlooked. Some routine tasks and inspections can help increase the lifespan of the shelter while finding smaller problems before they become expensive fixes.
In this article, learn how to keep your picnic shelters and pavilions in the best possible condition so your visitors have a safe, positive experience.
Inspecting and Assessing Your Picnic Shelters
Starting a maintenance plan for your picnic shelters and pavilions begins with assessing their current condition.
Creating a simple inspection checklist allows you to get a baseline condition of all your picnic shelters. It can also be used routinely to track any changing conditions.
An inspection checklist can include:
- Structural integrity of the roof and beams
- Visible wear and tear on structure (splintering wood, etc.)
- Noticable damage, graffiti, or damage
- Drainage around the structure
- Loose or missing bolts or hardware
- Foundation issues like cracks or uneven surfaces
- Area around the structure safe and obstacle-free (dead tree limbs overhead, fallen branches, poisonous plants, etc.)
- Functioning lighting and electrical systems
- Condition of picnic tables and grills
- Area is free of debris and litter
- Condition of trash receptacles
- No signs of pests or nesting
Regular inspections are one of the best ways to ensure a safe, long-lasting structure that continues to provide a positive user experience. The frequency of inspections will depend on the season and usage patterns.
Maintaining the Picnic Shelter Structure
Like any building, you want to ensure all the picnic shelter’s structural systems are maintained and in good condition.
Here is a rundown of what should be routinely inspected:
- Roof Systems: Conditions of shingles, gutter drainage, structural soundness, and any leaks into the enclosed area.
- Support Posts and Beams: Inspect the anchoring and general condition. Look for signs of vandalism, pest infestation, and rot.
- Foundation: Look for cracks or uneven spots in the concrete from settling. Make sure rainwater drains away from the foundation.
- Hardware: Check and tighten any bolts, replace corroded or rusted hardware, and lubricate any hinges.
- Surrounding Area: Hanging branches that may damage the structure, trip hazards, and signs of drainage issues.
Inspections should be scheduled regularly based on usage. More frequent inspections may be needed during the busy season or after severe weather.
Maintaining Shelter Amenities
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are probably the most important amenity in your picnic shelter or pavilion. Dirty, unmaintained picnic tables can take away from a visitor's safe and enjoyable experience.
During the busy season, picnic tables get a lot of usage. Graffiti, vandalism, food spills, natural debris, and increased heavy usage can take their toll.
Frequent inspections and spot cleanings allow your maintenance team to identify and resolve any minor issues before they become bigger problems. Checking and cleaning the table surfaces will help keep them in the best condition.
You may also want to schedule routine deep cleanings and disinfecting, especially during periods where the shelters get a lot of use.
More involved inspections that also assess the stability, hardware, and safety of picnic tables should be scheduled monthly or seasonally.
Other seasonal picnic table tasks will depend on what type of materials they are made of. For example, a wooden picnic table may need sanding and sealing after the busy season. Metal picnic tables may need to be checked for rust or deep scratches to the surface.
Grills
Grills are another amenity that shouldn’t be overlooked. Grease, food particles, and other debris can accumulate quickly. Neglecting the grills can make them look dirty and unsanitary to the public.
Regular inspections and cleaning will help keep the grills in the best possible condition. Check to make sure all the parts are in good shape and fully functional. Clean grills with hot, soapy water and a wire brush. Remove leftover ash and debris. A non-abrasive grill cleaner can add a nice shine once the grill has been cleaned.
Staff can also periodically add a thin layer of canola oil to the clean grill grates. This will help protect the grates from rust and corrosion.
Restrooms
Restrooms attached to picnic shelters need regular cleaning and maintenance. Proper restroom cleaning is essential– a dirty restroom will impact a visitor's experience.
While an entire article can easily be devoted to the subject of restroom cleaning, here’s a quick overview of what needs to be addressed:
- Remove any debris and visible soils in and around toilets and urinals. Pretreat the toilet exteriors and apply a bowl treatment.
- Clean and disinfect all high-touch points.
- Clear out any dust, debris, cobwebs, and dirt.
- Make sure the restrooms are stocked with all necessary supplies.
- Clean the walls, stalls, and mirrors.
- Clean floor drains.
- Check for graffiti, vandalism, and damage.
Outhouses and portable toilets need similar procedures to stay clean, even with a contractor doing periodic checks and cleans.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces should be cleaned routinely. Remove any ashes and leftover trash or debris. Wash the grates and scrub off any accumulated soot with a wire brush. A hose with a pressure nozzle can also help with the process.
Perform periodic checks for masonry issues, such as missing mortar or bricks, which could allow water into the structure. Addressing small problems promptly can reduce the risk of mold and structural issues.
Cut back any vegetation near the fireplace and clean the chimney every year. Also, waterproofing sealant on the exterior parts of the fireplace can prevent water from damaging the structure.
Garbage Cans
Schedule routine maintenance to remove any loose or caked-on trash from garbage cans. Thoroughly wash out the receptacles, and then perform a deep clean using a manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution. Sanitize the can and let it dry completely before putting it back into use.
Between deep cleans, your staff can prevent debris buildups by rinsing the bins with a garden hose. Check for any leaks that may cause staining and other issues to the surrounding shelter.
When it comes time to replace the garbage cans, make sure you choose appropriate trash receptacles for your sites.
Seasonal Maintenance for Picnic Shelters
As the season changes, schedule tasks to ensure your picnic shelters stay in the best possible shape.
Here are some seasonal picnic shelter maintenance tasks to consider:
- Spring: Check for any winter damage and make necessary repairs. Deep clean and prepare the shelters for the busy season.
- Summer: Perform routine checks. Check for vandalism, graffiti, and any structural issues. Prioritize repairs to prevent issues from worsening with high usage.
- Fall: Secure or store any loose amenities. Prepare for winter. Clean roofs and gutters in late fall.
- Winter: Check for ice dams and drainage issues. If necessary, create snow removal protocols. Perform any emergency repairs due to harsh or extreme weather.
The Takeaway
Like any of your park assets, picnic shelters require routine maintenance and inspections to ensure a positive visitor experience. Each feature of a picnic shelter needs attention throughout the year for a safe to remain in their best condition.
Setting up a maintenance plan for your picnic shelters is the best way for the park maintenance team to monitor conditions and make repairs when necessary. Keeping records of inspections and other work allows your team to track the condition of your picnic shelters and budget more accurately.