Park and Recreation Facility Management Practices Certificate Program
Time limit: 385 days
2.5 credits
Full course description
Program summary:
The Parks and Recreation Facility Management Practices Certificate Program introduces learners to the concept and underlying theory of the Asset Management Process. In addition, it will demonstrate how the process serves as a framework for parks and recreation agencies to manage lands and facilities in order to do business. Finally, it enables learners to understand the importance of an asset-based approach to facility management.
Beginning with the Introduction to Parks and Recreation Facility Management Practices, the courses will introduce you to data-driven decision making, followed by the process to actually plan and do projects. Unlike a more general private sector facility management program, this certificate program uses practices and examples that are specific to the challenges that parks, recreation, and public lands agencies face.
Program objectives:
After completing this certificate program, learners should be able to:
- Provide a general definition of the Asset Management Process, and how it differs from operational maintenance of parks and facilities.
- Plan for the use of metrics and data for asset management decision making using two industry standard metrics: Facility Condition Index (FCI) and deferred maintenance (DM).
- Define Condition Assessments and their role in Facility Management.
- Describe the purpose of a scope of work as it relates to a deficiency of any type.
- Define a cost estimate, identify its components, and identify resources that allow for a cost estimate to be completed.
- Using a case study, create an operations and maintenance plan for one park facility.
Recommended background:
The course will be most beneficial for those new to Facility Management in parks and public lands agencies or for those who wish to advance their career. To successfully complete the assignments in the certificate program, it is recommended you have access to a parks or public lands facility.
Program topics:
- Course 1: Introduction to Parks and Recreation Facility Management Practices
- Course 2: Metrics and Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Course 3: Conducting Condition Assessments
- Course 4: Creating a Scope of Work and the Basics of Cost Estimating
- Course 5: Yearly Operations and Maintenance Planning
The certificate program includes the following elements:
- Five self-paced, self-study e-courses
- Independent study assignments, which are reviewed by course instructors, with substantive feedback provided
- Informational text
- Interactive activities
- Real-life examples and case studies
- Supplemental reference materials
- Informal assessment quizzes
- Final assessments
These courses are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the courses as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing the content and activities in each course module, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of all course module quizzes and assignments, you will be awarded a program certificate of completion.
Creators:
This certificate program was designed and developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.