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Committee approves $2 million contract for solar-assisted robotic mowers for Metro Parks
Summary
The committee approved a $2 million contract with MyGo, Inc. to supply robotic mowers for Metro Parks; department leaders said the move advances a sustainability goal and could free staff time, though turf-quality and funding for full deployment remain unresolved.
A resolution approving a contract between the Metropolitan Government and MyGo, Inc. to provide equipment, services and software for robotic mowers in Metro Parks passed the Arts, Parks, Libraries & Entertainment Committee on Feb. 18.
The committee approved RS2025-1015 after a short discussion and an outdoor demonstration by company representatives earlier in the day. The contract value discussed during the meeting was $2,000,000; committee members approved the resolution by voice vote.
Councilmember Ewing asked about the impetus behind adopting robotic mowers and whether this represents a new approach or a continuation of existing practices. An assistant director in Metro Parks— maintenance team described the shift as part of a broader sustainability effort to move away from diesel and gas-powered equipment and toward electrically powered tools.
"The impetus behind it is looking at ways to put a green, sustainability agenda for the city," the parks assistant director said, noting that battery energy density currently limits full replacement of conventional equipment.
Parks staff and the contractor demonstrated mowers on a city lawn; staff said the demonstration occurred on a short-cut lawn because weather limited its scope. Parks staff also cautioned that turf quality remains a concern and that they have not yet achieved the mowing quality found with traditional equipment.
Officials said the current funding would support installation on two of four athletic-field pads, and that additional funding would be required to outfit all fields systemwide. "Right now there's 2 pads of the 4 that are funded there," the parks assistant director said. If further funding is approved, staff said they would expand deployment to other fields such as Ted Rose Multi-Purpose Field and Ezell.
Supporters framed the technology as a way to reduce fossil-fuel use and reallocate labor hours within parks; staff said fuel and labor savings would be expected but that full cost savings depend on eventual broader deployment and battery improvements.
The resolution record shows the item was moved, seconded and approved at committee; a detailed roll-call tally was not recorded in the committee discussion.
