Author: bradleyprice

Parks and recreation departments operate some of the most diverse fleets in local government. Mowers, utility vehicles, trucks, tractors, irrigation systems, playground equipment, and specialty assets all require consistent care. And unlike many other departments, park teams work directly in the public eye. When equipment fails, the impact is visible immediately, such as uncut grass,…

For public works leaders, fleet reliability isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Snowplows, refuse trucks, utility vehicles, graders, and service trucks represent the front line of service delivery. When vehicles aren’t ready, communities feel it immediately. Yet many public works departments still operate in reactive mode. A truck breaks down mid-route. A technician scrambles for parts. Work…

Every government leader has a vision for their community: safer roads, reliable infrastructure, sustainable growth. Strategic plans capture that vision, but without execution tools, even the best plans stall. The missing link? Accurate data and actionable insights that turn goals into measurable progress. Here are five ways leaders can bridge the gap between planning and…

In facilities operations, small inefficiencies create big headaches. A missing inspection record, a misplaced work order, or an unclear responsibility can delay repairs and mask risk. Over time, these frictions accumulate into avoidable downtime, emergency calls, and pressure on budgets. Manual Processes Slow Everything Down Paper checklists and spreadsheet trackers make it difficult to maintain…

Parks departments maintain playgrounds, trails, fields, irrigation systems, restrooms, and indoor facilities, often across large geographies. Seasonal surges compound complexity: spring openings, summer programs, and fall transitions each drive different workloads and skills. The result can be a constant tradeoff between daily demands and the long‑term care that preserves safety and user experience. Seasonal Surges…

Public Works departments are responsible for infrastructure that touches nearly every aspect of daily life, such as roads, bridges, stormwater systems, traffic control, and public facilities. The expectations for reliability and transparency continue to rise, even as budgets and staffing remain tight. Small operational inefficiencies can multiply quickly, showing up as longer response times, recurring…

As a Director of Parks and Recreation, you are tasked with a vital mission: ensuring community spaces are safe, accessible, and well-maintained. Looking ahead to 2026, the landscape of parks operations and asset management is evolving rapidly. New technologies, a growing emphasis on sustainability, and innovative community engagement methods are setting the stage for a…

Facility management is evolving. Staying ahead requires understanding the key shifts that will define the industry in the coming years. As we look toward 2026, a blend of technological innovation and a renewed focus on sustainability is setting a new standard for operational excellence. For facility managers, embracing these trends is not just about keeping…

As a facility or public works professional, your responsibilities are incredibly diverse. One day, you might be focused on ensuring every swing set and slide in the local park meets stringent safety standards. The next, you are troubleshooting a mission-critical HVAC system in a community center or managing a fleet of service vehicles. You are…

The twice-yearly time change for daylight savings can feel like a minor schedule adjustment. For Directors of Parks and Recreation, however, it’s a critical event that can disrupt operations, inflate energy costs, and create unforeseen safety issues if not managed carefully. A proactive asset management plan for daylight savings time (DST) is not just a…