“Assessing your camp lighting is a bright idea. Not only does light create a desired atmosphere for guests, but factors like energy efficiency, lifespan of bulbs and difficult of replacement can have an enormous effect on your camp operating budget…..” … Continue reading
Category Archives: Grounds
Some disability activists are advocating for an updated access symbol. The new icon displays an active, engaged image. Hendren and Glenney co-founded the Accessible Icon project, designing. The Modified ISA is in the permanent collection of Museum of Modern Art. … Continue reading
“Today, in our culture of productivity-fetishism, we have succumbed to the tyrannical notion of “work/life balance” and have come to see the very notion of “leisure” not as essential to the human spirit but as self-indulgent luxury…” Outdoor properties are … Continue reading
In your flowerbeds, do you plant native or non-native plants? Or a combination? Why? Here’s a variety of thoughts for organizations in selecting plants and flowers: Non-natives to provide the beauty for guests A combination of natives and non-native plants … Continue reading
The Monarch butterfly population has declined 90% in 20 years. The population of bees has also declined. Pollinators are essential to our environment. What is your organization doing to support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators at your site? This Web … Continue reading
By guest author Marc Johnson. Below Marc shares some of his expertise in managing property and thinking risk management. It’s a beautiful day and this is the first time in months you’ve had a chance to get in some hiking. … Continue reading
Parking Sign for People with Disabilities – Dude ranch style! Some nice creativity that fits in with their mission. Thanks to Tanque Verde Ranch for their permission to use. … Continue reading
Here’s an article about mowing grass/turf, and includes a few key points that can be relevant to outdoor properties that have grounds: Keep mowing height for general/informal turf areas informal turf areas at 2.5 inches to 3 inches and never … Continue reading
We all have our favorite snow shovel. Or maybe we have a snow shovel that’s been around for a while, and it is “good enough.” What makes a great snow shovel? Here are some ideas (hint: ergonomics, snow task, preference): … Continue reading
A light fixture can quickly outdate your facility. (could your light fixture be seen in the 1970s Brady Bunch TV show?) A new fixture can quickly update your facility. Take a minute. Step back and look around at your light … Continue reading
“The parking lot may be your guests’ first impression of your facility. lack of adequate parking can quickly frustrate the, but large lots may not be justified if they’re only utilized occasionally…” Three areas are discussed: porous concrete pavement, porous … Continue reading
By John Dwyer, Food Service Director, YMCA Camp Chingachgook At Camp Chingachgook, we use Earth Tub Technology for group composting. (And if you come to the maintenance conference in March you can see it in person!) It’s a composting program for … Continue reading
The gravel road maintenance manual is intended to be a helpful resource for camp road owners, road associations, lakeshore owners, town officials, contractors, and lake enthusiasts. Its purpose is to help people maintain and improve gravel roads while protecting the … Continue reading
Below is a link to a plethora of manuals and best practices guides that provide information for trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, and management, and for signs. These resources are from government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Copies may be … Continue reading
“…similar to cleaning a house and taking out unnecessary items, removing elements from a landscape can create a fresh look. Strategically, removing vegetation, rocks, or other components can increase safety, improve ecological health and reveal a landscape without adding a … Continue reading