City Mobilizes Extra Crews and Extended Hours to Tackle Rain-Delayed Mowing Schedule

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - Recent heavy rainfall across the region has triggered rapid vegetation growth and created saturated ground conditions, temporarily disrupting local mowing schedules.

In response, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Public Works Department Storm Water Division are launching a coordinated, high-priority effort to clear the backlog and restore normal maintenance cycles by mid-July.

To combat the delays, city crews and contractors have shifted to accelerated schedules, working six days a week, including Saturdays, and extending daily operational hours.

The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining 197 city parks and facilities spanning approximately 2,500 acres. While these areas are typically serviced on a 7-to-14-day cycle, wet conditions have slowed standard operations.

To get back on track, mowing crews will extend their hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weather permitting. Additionally, personnel from the Athletics Division and contractors are pitching in to help as soon as their field maintenance tasks are complete. The city is strategically deploying these extra resources to prioritize high-use parks, athletic complexes, and community parks.

The heavy rainfall also restricted access to the city’s rights-of-way (ROW) and major drainage channels. Now that ground conditions have improved enough to support heavy machinery safely, the Public Works Department is shifting its strategy.

Staff from vacuum truck and street sweeper operations have been reassigned to reinforce mowing efforts. Crews are currently operating in 10-hour shifts, six days a week, utilizing all available equipment. The city is also increasing the number of mowing cycles assigned to independent contractors where feasible. Public Works anticipates clearing its existing backlog within the next three weeks.

"We appreciate both departments working diligently through the impacts of recent weather," City Manager Peter Zanoni said. "Barring additional significant rainfall, we expect to make substantial progress over the next few weeks and return to our regular mowing schedules by mid-July."

Residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling near active mowing crews along roadsides, channels, and park properties.

For media inquiries, contact Robert Gonzales, Public Information Manager, at (361) 826-3233 or robertg8@corpuschristitx.gov.