Now is the perfect time to do groundskeeping projects on college and university campuses since classes are done for the spring semester and the warm summer weather is here. Facilities managers should consider inspecting all areas of their campuses to determine what needs to be fixed, replaced, or upgraded.
Whether your facilities management team handles groundskeeping in-house or contracts it out, here are some of the top exterior campus projects to tackle during summer break:
Parking Lots and Sidewalks
Harsh weather conditions and lack of maintenance can cause cracks and potholes in your campus parking lots and sidewalks. This can be unsightly and unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians. Faded pavement markings can also be a hazard, so consider repainting them. To learn more, check out “Back to Basics: Parking Lot Maintenance.”
Property Lighting
Burned-out lights and other dimly lit areas look bad and can impact campus safety. Be sure to replace broken lights and add new lighting when necessary for pedestrians and vehicular traffic on your campus. To learn about upgrading exterior lighting, read “Back to Basics: Lighting Improvements for Healthy Buildings.”
Fences
Cracked and rusted fences not only look bad, but they can also be a major campus security issue. Be sure to check all fences for damage and fix or replace them when necessary. Think about raising fences or increasing the amount of fencing. To learn more about securing your campus, check out “8 Ways to Secure a Facility’s Perimeter.”
Drainage
You might notice that it is wet outside campus buildings or alongside sidewalks. Make sure there is adequate runoff drainage. Consider stormwater management solutions, such as rain gardens, bioretention cells, stormwater swales, and more. Learn more by reading “How Facilities Managers Can Maintain Six Stormwater System Types.”
Signage
Your campus might have pedestrian and vehicular signs that faded due to the sun or have been damaged due to vandalism. Be sure to replace or fix signs on buildings and free-standing signs. Also check for out-of-date signs, and replace them with new ones that meet local, state, and federal regulations, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) handicapped-accessible parking spaces.
Plants and Flowers
Harsh winter conditions may have impacted campus plants and flowers to the point that they need to be replaced. Consult with an arborist to ensure on-site trees and shrubs are healthy, and plant flowers to beautify your campus. To learn more, read “10 Summer Landscaping Projects for Facilities Managers.”
Litter Control
Campuses look unclean and unhealthy when litter is strewn about. Make sure there is an adequate number of garbage cans and recycling receptacles across campus. For sustainable solutions, consider solar-powered trash and recycling stations, like those used at the University of Oklahoma. Consider having receptacles near parking lots and outside buildings, especially those with food and beverage outlets.
Recreational Areas
If your campus fields are a mess, your athletes can’t use them! Use fertilizer, sprinkler systems, and proper drainage. Help new grass grow and flourish on fields by allowing them to “rest.” Consider whether synthetic turf is a good option for your school’s field by checking out “Synthetic Turf vs. Grass: Which Is Better for Your Athletic Fields?”
Rest, Dining, and Special Event Areas
Students and staff don’t want to use broken benches and picnic tables, so be sure to properly maintain them! Additionally, make sure that other outdoor areas of your campus that are used for dining and special functions look presentable. Learn more about specific components that need maintenance by reading “Reimagining Outdoor Spaces at Your Facilities.”
Drinking Fountains and Bottle Fillers
Broken drinking fountains and bottle fillers won’t be helpful to students and staff on your campus. Make sure that these are properly maintained. Consider adding more drinking fountains and bottle fillers, but learn to be up-to-code by checking out “Ensuring Your Facility’s Drinking Fountain Is ADA Compliant.”
Decorative Fountains
Make sure the decorative fountains on your campus are working properly to prevent the spread of disease and look presentable. Fountains should be cleaned, checked, and use distilled water. Also, ensure pumps are submerged in water, clean of debris, and that there are additives to prevent algae growth. To learn more, read “Controlling Legionella in Decorative Fountains” on the CDC website.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many groundskeeping projects to tackle on your college or university campus during summer break. They can improve the overall look and safety of your educational institution for students, staff, and other visitors. With warmer weather and fewer people on-campus, now is the perfect time to catch up on maintenance projects and help make your campus be the best it can be!