Editor’s Note: This blog post was first published by OHI. You can read the full blog post by clicking here.
Labor Day has come and gone, which means the pace at many parks is starting to change. Before you get too far into the offseason, now is a good time for a quick post-Labor Day check-in.
A walk around the property and some time with your notes from the season can help you catch smaller issues before they become bigger ones and make a plan for what needs attention before opening day comes around again.
Start with the physical park. Walk the park like you haven’t seen it all summer. Look at roads, sites, signage, buildings, playgrounds, bathhouses, common areas and anything else that sees a lot of use. Keep an eye out for damage, worn surfaces, loose fixtures, drainage problems or anything that looks different than it did at the beginning of the season.
This is also a good time to make a repair list while everything is still fresh. If a guest mentioned the same issue three times this summer, there is a decent chance your team already knows about it. And don’t forget the things that are easy to miss when the park is busy. Check outdoor lighting, gates, fences, picnic tables, fire rings, site numbers and other small pieces of the property that guests interact with every day.
That same walk can tell you a lot about what needs to happen with your equipment. Take inventory of your mowers, golf carts, utility vehicles, tools and other equipment. Note anything that needs service or repair before it goes into storage. Clean equipment, check manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules and make sure anything that is unsafe or damaged is taken out of service.
