PARKS AND RECREATION

Photo courtesy of GeoSurfaces Inc .

By Mary Helen Sprecher

During the pandemic , when gyms and fitness facilities closed , Americans discovered the opportunities for fitness and recreation that awaited them in their local parks . These ranged from playing disc golf with the family to running or cycling on local trails to playing tennis or pickleball on courts to challenging themselves on fitness courses — and all of it was free .

Of course , the upshot was that many of those facilities received a lot more wear than they might have otherwise , necessitating more — and earlier — maintenance . Now park and recreation managers continue their essential work of running programs , but are also balancing the need to have facilities repaired , upgraded or rebuilt .

Those who are juggling all those jobs might be reaching out to contractors who are putting in bids to do work on sports facilities .

This should be a “ how to ” about finding a contractor , but here ’ s a quick “ how not to .” Do not go to the internet and do a blind search to find someone to work on your parks and recreation facilities . Unfortunately , such searches can result in someone with little or no skill in the project that needs to be done .

Paul Arcella from CSR Construction Heavy & Athletic in Deerfield Beach , Florida , said that when looking for a partner , be sure to ask plenty of questions .

“ I think it ’ s important for any owner or municipality to know the background and experience of the builder ,” said Arcella . “ What are their credentials ? Are they licensed ? Do they have any certifications ? Interview

24 SportsField Management | December 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com