FLEET Profile
The Fleet Division is responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, and management of all vehicles and grounds equipment, outside of the Golf department, used across the Park District. This includes a wide array of equipment necessary for daily operations, ranging from heavy-duty trucks to mounted implements and small motorized tools. The division is staffed by four full-time mechanics, along with a Fleet Operations Manager and an Administrative Assistant, both of whom also support the Central Division of the Parks Department. Currently, the Fleet Division oversees the maintenance and operation of 335 pieces of District equipment, ensuring the entire fleet is safe, reliable, and operationally efficient. The District’s larger equipment inventory includes 79 pickup and dump trucks, 6 police squads, 18 construction and agricultural tractors, 17 pieces dedicated to ball field and turf maintenance, 23 all-terrain utility vehicles, 25 zero-turn mowers, 11 large-area mowers, 4 snow brooms, 3 woodchippers, and 3 forklifts. In addition, the Fleet Division maintains 146 smaller pieces of motorized or towed equipment such as snow blowers, generators, trash pumps, edgers, sprayers, aerators, and equipment trailers. This variety of equipment requires a meticulous maintenance strategy to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations across all park services. The division employs a proactive approach to equipment care, relying on weekly operator inspections and regular service intervals. These preventive maintenance checks are crucial to identifying and addressing potential mechanical issues before they escalate, which helps increase the reliability of the fleet, reduce repair costs, minimize equipment downtime, and improve fuel efficiency. By following a comprehensive
maintenance plan, the Fleet Division enhances the longevity of the equipment, avoids costly repairs, and ultimately lowers overall operational costs for the Park District. The Park District is committed to environmental sustainability, and this is reflected in the gradual “greening” of its fleet over the past decade. As advancements in alternative-fuel technologies have emerged, the Fleet Division has progressively adopted greener equipment. The District purchased its first hybrid vehicle in 2010, followed by the acquisition of its first plug-in all- electric utility vehicle in 2011. In 2020, the District introduced its first all-electric zero-turn mower, powered by a large rechargeable battery. This mower emits no harmful exhaust, operates quietly, and provides a cleaner environment for both operators and park patrons. Today, the Park District’s fleet includes 8 hybrid electric vehicles, 2 plug-in electric vehicles, 2 electric zero-turn mowers, and 3 electric ATV utility vehicles. Beyond fuel savings, electric vehicles offer the added benefits of fewer moving parts, reduced maintenance costs, and longer service intervals. In addition to its electric fleet, the Park District also utilizes propane-fueled vehicles and equipment. Propane offers similar environmental benefits, including lower emissions and extended engine life. Currently, the District operates 5 dual- fuel vehicles (gasoline/propane), 9 propane zero- turn mowers, and 3 propane forklifts. The Park District has also been a leader in biodiesel use. Since 2009, the District has utilized a 20% biodiesel blend (B20) in its diesel-powered vehicles, contributing to reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. In 2023, the District became a proud member of the Illinois B20 Club,
an initiative sponsored by the American Lung Association and the Illinois Soybean Association to promote the use of biodiesel. By using B20 fuel, the District helped prevent the release of 112 pounds of hydrocarbons and 58,594 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. As technology continues to evolve, the Park District remains committed to exploring opportunities to replace aging equipment with electric, hybrid, or alternative-fuel options, ensuring its fleet stays environmentally responsible. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Fleet Division has faced ongoing challenges with vehicle and equipment procurement in addition to rising costs. Supply chain disruptions have led to limited availability and unpredictable delivery timeframes, requiring the District to operate some equipment longer than originally intended. To navigate these difficulties, the Fleet Division has remained flexible and adaptive, quickly moving on opportunities to acquire vehicles and equipment when they become available. Despite these challenges, the division continues to prioritize the careful evaluation of all fleet acquisitions to ensure that each new piece of equipment is cost-efficient, appropriately sized for its intended use, and environmentally responsible. Looking forward, the Fleet Division is dedicated to maintaining a modern, reliable, and sustainable fleet. By adhering to rigorous maintenance schedules, embracing alternative fuel technologies, and adjusting procurement strategies to the evolving landscape, the Park District is well-equipped to meet both its operational needs and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
2025 BUDGET 40
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