What Park Maintenance is and Why it Matters

Posted by Trashcans Unlimited on 18th Nov 2016

You probably visit parks often. In fact, you may have visited one without even noticing. Parks are all around us. They can be vast natural areas of thousands of square miles or as small as a few square feet.

From the traditional type of park with playground equipment, benches, or walking paths, to a more subtle style with natural scenery and protected areas for wildlife and nature, parks are a crucial part of any good community.

Parks are a great place to go for a fun day with the kids, to relax and read a book, take in the beauty of nature, or a convenient spot to go for a jog. Whatever you enjoy doing in a park, you have park maintenance workers to thank for it.

What is Park Maintenance?

One of the most important features of a good park is cleanliness. No matter how big a park is, it requires regular attention to keep it in tip-top shape for your enjoyment. They don’t look beautiful and clean by accident; there are many people who work hard to make them so pleasant. This is where park maintenance workers come in.

A park maintenance worker is responsible for maintaining the aesthetics of a park. This can include:

Landscaping tasks like mowing the grass, trimming plants, fertilizing soil, watering grass, and raking leaves.
Cleaning tasks like removing graffiti, cleaning restrooms, and emptying and hauling trash.
Maintenance tasks such as fixing or replacing broken equipment, and occasionally building more facilities.

Why Park Maintenance Matters

Park maintenance is imperative for a number of reasons. One of the most important ones is safety. A park that is damaged or run-down gives off the appearance that it’s not cared for properly, which can lead to a lack of use by community members and further deterioration and disrepair.

Things like proper lighting surveillance, and graffiti-resistant materials are crucial to making a park feel safe to visitors. These measures help park guests feel safer and at ease while also helping to prevent vandalism. In cases where parks do experience vandalism or damage, it is important to fix the problems quickly, lest they end up as hotspots for inappropriate or illegal activity.

Trash Cans Make Park Maintenance Easier

While lighting and general maintenance are both essential aspects of keeping a park safe and clean, something as simple as having the right trash cans can make a huge difference as well.

First and foremost a waste receptacle is a place for park visitors to place trash and keep the park clean, but trash cans are often used for other purposes. People use them as meeting spots, a place to rest a bag or purse on, or even something to sit on.

It goes without saying that outdoor trash cans should be able to withstand the elements, but it also helps if they are fireproof and graffiti proof. Most parks have waterproof outdoor trash cans that are permanently affixed to the ground, helping keep them upright in high winds, stable, and less likely to be vandalized.

If you’re looking for the right outdoor trash can for your local park, there’s no shortage of quality options. Most park trash cans are made of concrete, plastic, or steel. Some also have an outer metal armor. Selecting the right trash can depends on your budget and needs.

The most common trash can materials come with the following benefits:

Concrete trash cans have a heavy and durable construction that helps them last for years.

Concrete trash cans have a heavy and durable construction that helps them last for years. They can be reinforced with rebar and customized with various finishes for a more appealing appearance. A concrete trash can is a wise investment.

Plastic trash cans are an affordable but quality option for any park

Plastic trash cans are an affordable but quality option for any park. A tough plastic exterior is not likely to crack or fade, and plastic cans also have many customization options to consider to improve both function and aesthetic.

Stainless steel trash cans provide a sleek and sophisticated look without the risk of rust.

Stainless steel trash cans provide a sleek and sophisticated look without the risk of rust. They are also very durable and known for how well they can resist scratches and fingerprints.

Galvanized steel cans are best suited for industrial purposes like garbage pickup and oil disposal.

Galvanized steel cans are best suited for industrial purposes like garbage pickup and oil disposal. They are fire-resistant and, like stainless steel, will not rust thanks to their protective zinc coating.

Metal-armor trash cans are visually appealing and extremely durable. The outer armor helps protect the can from damage while also serving to ventilate the trash without exposing its contents.

Whatever your particular needs are, you can be sure that there’s a style of trash can to meet them. Of course, trash cans are just one aspect of park maintenance, but proper waste disposal receptacles are one of the most important things any park can have.