Mowing in parks
Mowing in parks
Mowing in parks
Despite the third-wettest July on record, we remain on target to complete cycle six for regional and community parks by the weekend of August 15 which would put us two to three days over our 14-day target due to the wet weather. The second mowing cycle for roadside greens (next to major roadways) is in progress and is expected to be completed within the target of 28 days per cycle. Grass must be dry to ensure it is safe for our crews and that equipment will not damage the grass by sinking into the turf. Please expect mowing delays in sections of the city that receive more moisture than others. While the whole City received a considerable amount of rain, low-lying areas and slopes require the most time to dry out to avoid damage by mowing equipment. We will return to areas that were too wet and mow them as soon as they are dry enough.
Parks & Open Spaces mow an area equivalent to approximately 7500 CFL football fields during the growing season; comparable to approximately 4000 hectares. Parks greenspaces are mowed at different frequencies depending on how many people use the space and for which types of activities (e.g. playing soccer, picnicking or stopping on the sides of the road when needed).
Mowing frequency – based on type of use:
- Regional parks (larger with more amenities) and playfields (e.g. community soccer and ballfields) are mowed up to 20 times per growing season
- Community parks (smaller, local parks) are mowed up to 10 times per growing season
- Playfields (community soccer fields and ball diamonds) are mowed up to 20 times per growing season
- Roadside greens (next to major roadways) are mowed up to four times per growing season
Do all communities get mowed at the same time?
Calgary has a variety of sub-climates meaning some communities receive more moisture than others.
Following heavy rain, areas will be left to dry before mowing to avoid damage to the turf by heavy mowing equipment that can sink into the ground. Drier conditions result in less frequent mowing as the growth of grass slows.
Roadside greens
Roadside greens, also known as “road boulevards,” are typically greenspaces next to major roadways and other transportation infrastructure. Parks & Open Spaces oversees the maintenance of approximately 765 hectares of boulevards. Some road boulevards are maintained by the Alberta Government (e.g. along Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail).
We remove litter, repair areas damaged over the winter months, remove noxious weeds and mow these areas four times a year starting in the spring and ending in the fall.
