This week we continue a three-part series elaborating on various aspects of Parks and Recreation maintenance task assignment and staff structuring. In this second installment of our three-part series, let's take a look at the best uses for specialized maintenance unit crews.
Unit maintenance is employing self-contained maintenance crews to manage specific locations. For example, you might designate a particular crew to maintain a park. That team must maintain the entire park. Here are some pros and cons of using the unit maintenance method.

The use of Dashboarding software use in the Parks and Recreation field has risen sharply over the last several years. If you aren’t familiar with dashboarding software, it is software that can present numerous data points at once in a single display.

There are many different issues and tasks to juggle in the Parks and Recreation industry. Working in the field does not simply require a love of the outdoors or ability to relate well to people. You also need to constantly stay informed and on top of the upkeep and management of whatever properties or facilities are in your care.

You have probably heard the term “paper trail” many times over the years. It originated back in the “old” days before computers were widely used and everything was tracked on paper. The idea of a paper trail was to use paperwork like breadcrumbs. Each one referenced a previous one. In that way, people could track how all sorts of processes progressed over time.

Electronic work order systems provide ways to stay organized and coordinate efforts, regardless of the number of staff members involved or the specific type of recreational location being maintained.

When working in the Parks and Recreation field, there are certain procedures that are absolutely vital in terms of not just keeping properties in good condition but also keeping your agency protected. One of those procedures is regular inspection of systems, equipment and structures. Here are some reasons why inspections are critical, as well as information about how to streamline your inspections processes.

As you know, COVID-19 is having a major impact on almost every industry. Here in the Parks and Recreation field, we are of course included in the list of affected industries and the changes required by it. However, we do have some distinct advantages. For example, much of our maintenance work is often performed in the great outdoors.

You must be diligent as a Parks and Recreation professional. Inspections are essential. Questions you may have include “What do I need to inspect?” and “How can I make the inspection process easier?” Let's answer those and related questions, beginning with some common areas where inspections may be beneficial.