Naperville Parks Behind On Mowing After Heavy Rains

NAPERVILLE, IL -- The heavier than normal rains that hit Chicago's western suburbs in May has caused a delay in mowing at the more than 130 Naperville Park District locations. According to a press release, the park district lost more than 25 percent of its typical mowing time due to record-breaking rain accumulation of 11 inches in Naperville throughout May.

Throughout the 137 parks in the Naperville Park District, there are roughly 1,100 acres that need to be mowed weekly.

Kevin Finnegan, Director of Parks for Naperville Park District, said in a statement, "Some areas still are under water or are so waterlogged that mowing is not possible. Other areas are impeded by soft ground that can cause ruts and damage to the turf."

Finnegan said that staff has been putting in extra days and working long hours to keep up with the mowing, which is made more difficult by additional growth caused by the rain. In total, the park district is about two weeks behind in its mowing schedule.