It’s Electric – Vehicles, Tools, & Infrastructure

As the shift toward sustainable infrastructure accelerates, park and recreation agencies must weigh the practical realities of transitioning to electric fleets. Join Ward Winchell of Southgate Recreation and Park District for an honest look at the pros and cons of electric vehicles and equipment based on decades of operational experience. Drawing on the District’s history—including 25 years of electric golf cart usage and three generations of electric mowers and hand tools—this session provides a realistic assessment of performance, longevity, and cost. Mr. Winchell will also address the critical "behind-the-scenes" requirements of success, including the development of charging infrastructure for both internal district use and public access.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess Equipment Performance: Compare the operational pros and cons of electric versus traditional gas-powered equipment, from heavy-duty mowers to handheld tools, based on long-term field data.
• Evaluate Long-Term Fleet Lifecycles: Gain insights into the evolution of electric technology through the lens of a District currently managing its third generation of electric maintenance machinery.
• Plan Strategic Infrastructure: Identify the essential requirements for implementing charging stations, balancing the power needs of internal maintenance fleets with the growing demand for public-facing charging solutions.