WPD Named One of Top 50 Green Fleets

Wilmette Park District Named One of North America’s Top 50 Green Fleets

Wilmette Park District’s fleet has been steadily evolving, with each vehicle, mower, golf cart and piece of equipment contributing to this transformation.

This progress was recognized nationally when Wilmette Park District was ranked #47 in the NAFA Fleet Management Association’s 2026 Green Fleet Awards, placing the District among North America’s Top 50 Green Fleets.

The annual Green Fleet Awards honor government and commercial fleets that demonstrate leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship. While “fleet” often refers to trucks and service vehicles, the award evaluates organizations more broadly. Criteria include fleet composition, fuel use and emissions, sustainability achievements, policies and planning, fuel-saving technologies and employee engagement.

This recognition is especially meaningful for the Park District.

Four years ago, the Park District operated only one green vehicle. Today, about half of the Park District’s fleet—including vehicles, maintenance equipment and smaller tools—has transitioned to electric, hybrid or battery-powered alternatives.

This includes an electric service van, three hybrid vehicles with a fourth pending, 70 electric golf carts and five electric ride-on mowers. The Park District is also replacing gas-powered handheld and small maintenance equipment with battery-powered alternatives as older equipment is retired.

The transition has been deliberately gradual.

Instead of replacing equipment solely to adopt electric alternatives, the Park District evaluates purchases based on operational needs, maintenance and operating costs, and available technology. When equipment reaches its scheduled replacement, staff assess whether an electric, hybrid or battery-powered option can meet operational requirements.

This approach is essential for an organization responsible for over 300 acres of parks and more than 250,000 square feet of facilities.

Early results are measurable. In the past year, the District reduced fuel consumption by approximately 400 gallons while maintaining service levels. The Park District has also transitioned diesel-powered equipment to B20 biodiesel and is testing idle-reduction technology on four vehicles, with potential for broader implementation if results remain positive.

Employees who use the equipment daily play a key role in this process. Parks and maintenance staff assess performance, reliability, battery life and the equipment’s ability to meet operational demands before making recommendations for future purchases.

More Than Vehicles

The Green Fleet Awards also acknowledge that sustainable fleet management extends beyond vehicles alone.

The Park District has invested in EV charging infrastructure to support its expanding electric fleet and has integrated sustainability into long-term capital planning and the Park District’s Sustainability Plan.

Approximately 90% of Park District interior and exterior lighting is LED, and additional renewable energy opportunities are under review. This includes exploring solar energy and battery storage at the maintenance facility.

Operational practices such as recycling waste lubricants and antifreeze, responsible material disposal and compliance with environmental regulations are also key components of sustainable fleet management.

Looking ahead, the Park District has applied for funding through the IDOT National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to potentially expand its EV charging capabilities.

The goal is not immediate transformation of the entire fleet. Instead, the Park District aims to make thoughtful investments as replacements are needed, adopt technologies that are operationally and financially sound, and continue to reduce the environmental impact of maintaining Wilmette’s parks and facilities.

Being named one of NAFA’s Top 50 Green Fleets is an encouraging benchmark in this ongoing effort and demonstrates the impact of consistent, incremental improvements.