Topeka initiative launches affordable mowing program for NIAs, aims to engage volunteers

The City of Topeka is excited to announce a pilot mowing program as part of the first year of its Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative.

The pilot program will provide backup mowing services for those living in Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) areas, by making sure that a fixed and affordable rate model is available.

“The goal of having all yards mowed and trimmed without City involvement has been years in the making. We are thrilled to have the program up and running for our neighbors,” said Councilwoman Karen Hiller. “The City is supporting Omni Circle Group and the Gil Carter Initiative by providing loaned mowing equipment, which demonstrates our commitment to them, and the community at-large to see this program through. The long-term goal is for the program to become self-sustaining, and independent from the City.”

In the program’s first year, three different non-City of Topeka entities will be providing services related to the program, some on a paid, and some on a volunteer basis, to assist residents who do not have regular mowing arrangements.
These three providers have limited availability, and are not entities of the City. If the providers don’t have the capacity to offer services at this time, residents may refer to social media or other resources to locate a provider, but know the City hasn’t vetted other providers for these services.

The City created a tip sheet with information on how to find someone to mow, how to check references, as well as educational materials on mowing, trimming, and cutting back vegetation.

All NIA areas fixed-rate mowing

Tsquared Lawn Care is offering a low fixed rate of $30 per mow for residents living within NIA areas.

Highland Acres NIA

Gil Carter Initiative is offering a standard fixed rate range of $40-70 per mow for residents living within the Highland Acres NIA area. Gil Carter Initiative may offer lower costs depending on criteria they set.

Central Park NIA

Omni Circle Group is volunteering to mow lawns for residents living within the Central Park NIA area, in order to help the area achieve a goal of 100% of lawns mowed.

Finding a NIA

To learn if you live in a NIA area, please visit the database on the City website and search your address.

Volunteer opportunities

An additional component to the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative focuses on neighbors helping neighbors through volunteerism.

Sign up to volunteer

Individuals, families, businesses, churches, organizations, and any neighbor wanting to get engaged with helping residents with mowing can sign up to volunteer through the United Way of Greater Topeka’s Topeka Volunteers portal.

Request a volunteer

Individuals who are unable to pay for mowing services, or those who live outside of NIA areas in the City of Topeka limits, are able to request their lawn be mowed. The City, however, cannot guarantee a volunteer match, and is not responsible for vetting volunteers.

Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance assistance line

To find out more about the program, request a provider or volunteer to mow your lawn, or to record your volunteer arrangement, call 785-368-9530.

“I just want to say to all of our community members – the time is finally here! It’s about leaning in to our neighbors, churches and family members to help get mowing done,” said Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala. “We heard in various community meetings how folks wanted to get back to the time when we helped one another. We can do this. Extend a hand.”

Celebration

At the conclusion of the 2022 mowing season, there will be an event to celebrate those who volunteered to mow through the United Way’s portal, as well as others who helped in any way to make the initiative successful. Stay tuned for additional details about the celebration.