If you have a Lessons Learned submission, please email it to CorpsLakes@usace.army.mil
What lessons have you learned about recreation modernization projects, recreation facilities maintenance, and maintenance of an acceptable level of service at Corps recreation areas? Please send those lessons to (Jeff Rose) for addition to this site.
Beaches
The Corps Recreation Facilities Standards recommend that "when practical, a turf grass sunbathing area should be provided adjacent to the beach." One Corps project learned that it is important to maintain non-flowering grasses in such an area. Clover was in the lawn mix used to seed the area next to the beach, which attracted bees when it flowered. Stinging insects and barefooted sunbathers are not a good mix, so use discretion in selecting grass species adjacent to the beach.
Campsite Design
Photos are provided to illustrate lessons learned in campsite design.
Picnic Table Accident
See the Powerpoint slides that show an area of weakness in a composite type picnic table. The table that broke was only 6 years old and had been kept indoors for the first 2 years. The failure of this table was the direct cause of a seriously sprained ankle, resulting in a loss time accident. This is for your awareness and to encourage the regular inspection of composite picnic tables, benches, playground equipment, etc. made of this type material and/or purchased from this company (Barco Products).
Many people are buying composite items because they are being marketed as durable that will not rot, splinter, or break and have a long-life cycle. Our inquiries reveal that the actual life cycle is only 8 - 10 years and these tables are not weight tested. In this case the company claims that these tables are a best seller and have had no other problems reported.
Playground Inspection
