#United States #Louisville #TurfMutt #Waterfront Park #Lawn Queen

Waterfront Park to Host a Guinness World Records Lawn-Mowing Attempt

On May 16, 2026, the TurfMutt Great Lawn at Waterfront Park will become the site of a live GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt, aiming for a new benchmark in the speed of lawn mowing. Scheduled for 3:00 p.m., this exciting event aims to emphasize the significance of properly managed green spaces, showcasing how they contribute to the environment.

Kris Kiser, the President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "This is more than a record attempt; it’s a celebration of the power and purpose of well-managed green space. Mowing stimulates grass growth, which in turn sequesters carbon, produces oxygen, and delivers numerous environmental benefits."

The record attempt will feature Rehlko's advanced mower, powered by the Command PRO® 999 cc (41 hp) gasoline engine, and will aim to cover an area equivalent to that of an American football field in the shortest possible time. The driver chosen for this remarkable task is Hali Rieman, better known as the Lawn Queen. Rieman was selected through a nationwide initiative and will operate under the strict guidelines and timing protocols established by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicators present at the event.

To meet requirement standards, the grass will be maintained at a height of no less than six inches, simulating high-load conditions that are necessary for demonstrating the mower’s capabilities. This event is part of Rehlko's global Cutting History initiative, which underscores the importance of turf care.

Deborah Bilitski, president and executive director of Waterfront Park, noted, "We’re excited to bring a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt to Waterfront Park and the city of Louisville. The TurfMutt Great Lawn is one of our signature gathering spaces, and this unique event highlights its capabilities and the community’s dedication to maintaining it. We value our partnership with organizations like the TurfMutt Foundation and Rehlko that share a commitment to stewardship and community engagement, and we’re looking forward to seeing this event come to life."

In addition to the record attempt, Kiser reminded participants to prioritize safety when using outdoor power equipment, encouraging everyone to keep children and pets away from operating machinery.

The event at Waterfront Park is free and open to the public, promising a day of fun and community spirit. Further details regarding the May 16 event can be found on ourwaterfront.org/events. For insights on utilizing green spaces effectively, visit TurfMutt.com.

About the TurfMutt Foundation

The TurfMutt Foundation, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, has positively impacted over 70 million children, educators, and families since its inception in 2009. It sponsors the Emmy Award-winning show Lucky Dog, focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation, with prominent spokesdogs, including Mutt Mulligan. Through educational initiatives, TurfMutt promotes environmental stewardship, showing how individuals can contribute to planet health through their own yards.

About Waterfront Park

Once a wasteland, Waterfront Park has transformed into a vibrant urban green space, hosting over 2.5 million visitors annually. As a public nonprofit park, it represents the community spirit of Louisville, showcasing how nature and urban life can coalesce harmoniously.