Winnipeg, MB - Parks and Open Space crews officially began the City's annual grass mowing program today to keep Winnipeg clean and green this summer.
Crews use about 175 mowers to mow boulevards, athletic fields, parks and other city owned green spaces. In total 2,484 hectares are mowed on a rotating basis with mowing cycles ranging from an average of 10 to 14 days, which equates to about eight to twelve mowing cycles during a season. For reference, one hectare is approximately the same size as a CFL football field.
“Green space is such an important part of our City,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks. “Crews are working hard to make sure boulevards, athletic fields and parks are well maintained and available for all of us to enjoy this summer.”
In addition to spring clean up activities so far this year, Parks and Open Space staff have been preparing the parks, lining the athletic fields for spring play, and completing garbage pick-up and 311 service requests. Some mowers started their operations in regional parks and community athletic fields earlier this month.
Grass growth in Winnipeg has started to occur for the season and usually continues until mid-October. How quickly the grass grows this year will be determined by the weather we receive such as amount of rainfall and heat. Depending on the extent of the grass growth this year crews will work weekends as required.
Now that dandelions have emerged in Winnipeg they will be cut down as part of the mowing program. Dandelions typically emerge for three to four weeks before going to seed.
Citizens are reminded to use caution and to stay back to stay safe when in the vicinity of mowing crews.