Outdoor Maintenance Outdoor Maintenance including solid waste and

Outdoor Maintenance

Outdoor Maintenance, including solid waste and sewage disposal, outdoor lighting, fencing, signs, recreation surfaces, and road and parking lot maintenance are common tasks for both recreation and park departments and tourism/resort facilities.

Solid Waste Collection Trash & Garbage – – – Paper Cardboard Plastic Glass Metal items Solutions: – Reduction, reuse, recycling – Combustion, composting, landfill

Litter Control Education – Target is frequently children—why? – Some campaigns are highly successful Effective Cleaning an element of Attraction – Theme parks Setting an Example – Staff – Celebrities (NY & Kennedy)

Litter Control, continued Trash Receptacles – Placement must be convenient – Aesthetic considerations – Durability – Ease of handling – Ease of cleaning – Type—mesh basket, metal, plastic bags, lids Anti-Litter legislation Anti-Litter campaigns https: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Don't_Mess_with_Texas https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=tcrhp-IWK 2 w

Waste Collection Frequency of collection Type of collection vehicle Factors – Amount to be collected – Loading height – Blowing trash (loading, unloading, and in transport) – Durability – Ease of unloading

Waste Disposal Sanitary landfill – Area, ramp and trench methods Incineration (Union Electric) Recycling where feasible, including composting Bulk collection units

Sewage Disposal Self contained systems for non-urban areas – – – Pit and chemical toilets Composting toilets (“digesters”) Septic tanks Lagoons (stabilization ponds—odor free) Aerobic digestion Every park & recreation area not linked to a sewage disposal system will soon have a certified specialist in sewage disposal—many already do

Selecting/Designing disposal systems Legal considerations—public health regulations Quantity Construction/installation costs Operating costs Maintenance requirements—frequency & costs Availabiltiy of land area Porosity and absorption qualities of soil Water table level Surface & sub-surface water flows

Water Systems Adequate water supplies an increasing problem, especially in remote resort developments Potable water only one consideration – Irrigation of turf areas – Swimming pools Development of treated and untreated water systems (use of “gray” water) Water reduction measures

Lighting Systems Lighting needs increasing (both quantity and quality) Growth of new facilities not keeping pace with demand, so longer night-time use Energy costs increasing dramatically Lighting systems growing more efficient Lighting engineers used to design systems and installation

Maintenance of Lighting Systems More to it than just changing bulbs Replacement and cleaning schedules

Fencing Functions—to control flow, access, facilitate collection of fees, etc. Use of natural vegetation, water (medieval moats) and topography, either natural or enhanced (ha-has) Thorny vegetation will stop pedestrians, but safety concern (roses, blackberry vines, pyracantha)

Factors influencing Selection Function Installation costs Durability Maintenance costs Safety Aesthetics

Types of Fencing Split rail fencing Chain link – – Galvanized Aluminum Vinyl coated With wood slats or woven plastic strips Woven wire Post and board Solid board fencing Brick, stone, ornamental iron

Signs Factors – Transmission of important information – Clear and easy to read – Aesthetics – Materials Wood—cedar, redwood, cypress Metal—anodized aluminum, bronze Plastic – Methods Routing, sandblasting, painted/silkscreened

Sign Maintenance Design for maintenance – Vandalism – Wood preservation treatment – Repainting or repairing on regular basis

Outdoor Recreation Surfaces Qualities desired – Multiple use capability – Dustless & stainless – Durable and resilient – Low/reasonable initial cost – Easy to maintain – Low maintenance cost – Pleasing appearance – Nonabrasive, non-slippery – Year around use

Types of Surfaces Earth (including soil cement) Turf Aggregates—gravel, sand Concrete and bituminous surfaces Synthetic surfaces – https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ql. TA 3 rnpgz. U

Roads and Parking Lots Texas roads have problem with buckling because of interaction of stabilizers with sulfites in the soil—presence of feldspar an indication of potential problems. Continuing maintenance needed for bituminous (asphalt) and gravel surfaces— especially if bus, truck, or heavy RV traffic.

Trails and Greenways Conflicts between user groups may call for separate systems—hikers, bicyclists, in-line skaters, wheel chairs, equestrian, off-road vehicles, motorized bikes, etc. Type of surface and design depends upon prospective use. Consider grade, layout, signage, maintenance, litter control, et.

Soil Compaction and Erosion Control erosion with vegetation, mulching, diversion ditches—anything which will slow down the run-off Compaction can be reduced by trail/path development, aeration, rotation of trails, camping areas, etc.