Invite user groups to assist in the quest for pristine facilities
Whether you own and operate sports facilities or have a user-group agreement, you still have the responsibility to ensure those facilities are safe and last the test of time. Maintaining them properly is the key. Unfortunately, user groups or organizations often do not have adequate budgets to provide sufficient maintenance to meet or exceed the lifespan of a facility. Regardless of the budget, there are things you can do to help the facilities endure.
- Have a plan. A preventative-maintenance plan is essential in keeping up with facility use. The plan should include all duties and tasks, the time each task takes, the person responsible for the task, and the frequency of each task.
- Prioritize tasks. Maintenance is time-consuming and can be expensive. To prioritize, use the following guideline on which tasks to accomplish first:
- Liabilities and hazards: Anytime either of these is identified within a facility it should be addressed immediately. If the task cannot be accomplished in a timely manner, close off the area so no one can get near it.
- Mandates: If there is a mandate from the city, county, or more authoritative figure in the organization, attend to those items first to ensure compliance.
- Preventative maintenance: After rectifying liabilities and mandates, it is time to return to the plan and maintain the facility on a regular basis.