Photo Credit: Courtesy of Randy Gaddo
Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her desk and “wander around” the area of operations, talk to people, ask questions, and kick around ideas with the individuals in the thick of delivering services to the public. So the author will bring up issues and ask the leaders among the readership to share their knowledge and experiences.
When the editor of Parks and Rec Business and I were discussing the topic for this issue—facility maintenance—I realized the definition of a facility is a matter of interpretation.
I suggested I address maintaining shade structures; she preferred an article about maintaining indoor facilities during the winter. In my mind, any amenity covered by a shade structure is a facility that needs maintenance year-round; in her mind, a facility has four walls, indoor features, and operating systems that need maintenance. We were both correct.
No matter how a “facility” is defined, maintenance is required. Whether it’s a sports complex, an aquatic center, a community center, a skate park, or a shade-covered playground—everything needs maintenance.