Safety First Pilot Credit offers best practices roadmap to ensure public safety
By Michael Wilson
The past two years have been tough for park and recreations centers around the country. Numerous facilities were closed for months due to the pandemic. Many were forced to close because of mandates introduced or because of administrative concerns about the virus and the health of facility users and staff members.
However, it appears (fingers crossed) that things are starting to look better. COVID-19 cases are on the decline. Along with boosters for adults, new vaccines have been introduced to help protect younger children—the ones who most frequently use park and recreation facilities.
Because of this, locations planning to reopen or those that have already reopened may find it beneficial to learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council's new “Safety First Pilot Credits.” This is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program; it is designed for facilities that want to become LEED certified or are currently undergoing LEED certification.
However, what may be of greater importance for park and recreation administrators is the program can also be used as a guide for facilities that want to reopen using “green” and sustainable cleaning and disinfecting “best practices.” These practices help ensure public health is protected while protecting the environment as well.