Parks staff says Denver will begin shifting to electric mowers and carts; council asks about charging infrastructure

Council members pressed Parks staff on Feb. 2 about the city’s plans to buy electric parks and golf equipment under a proposed master purchase order. The floor discussion centered on the contract listed as a master purchase order between the City and County of Denver and ALJMWT LLC for parks and golf equipment.

Pamela Smith, Director of Agronomy in the City and County of Denver, described the vendor relationship and the department’s approach to electrification: "We are starting to convert a lot of the easily convertible electric carts," she said, adding that Parks and Golf plan to purchase "two electric greens mowers this year and a hybrid fairway mower." Smith said the department is also looking at demonstrating electric robotic mowers and that electrification could reduce labor costs.

Council member Paradis pressed for details about how the shift to electric equipment will be tracked and coordinated with maintenance facilities and charging infrastructure. Smith said the department is conducting an audit to understand current infrastructure and future needs and that small changes can be accommodated with standard 110 outlets. "If we were to move into the next level, then we would have to look at changes to our infrastructure," she said, noting quick-charge systems would require higher amperage.

Council members asked for ongoing reporting on how much of purchases under the master order are electric versus gas-powered. One council member requested a follow-up on prior spending and a breakdown by fuel type as the contract is used over time.

What's next: The resolution remained called out for questions and further follow up; staff said they will continue audits and coordinate with maintenance to plan necessary electrical upgrades before large-scale electrification.