FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (April 7, 2025) — As mowing season begins, the Directorate of Public Works is working with organizations and partners across post to help maintain the grounds on Fort Leonard Wood.
According to DPW Director Mark Lenox, mowing the nearly 2,200 acres that are typically mowed on Fort Leonard Wood may be a challenge this year, due to current staffing levels. But, he said, there are plans in place to help cover a “very limited amount” of the installation’s grounds maintenance.
Lenox said the base maintenance contractor will mow the grass at several areas on post to include the Main Gate, child development centers and the Post Cemetery. The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will maintain the RV park, softball fields, fitness centers and Piney Valley Golf Course. Balfour Beatty Communities, Fort Leonard Wood’s housing partner, will be responsible for post housing areas, and the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security will take care of ranges and some training areas.
DPTMS will also use Post Detail, Lenox said.
“At this time, Garrison is working with DPTMS and Post Detail to try to augment the lack of a civilian mowing crew this season to keep the main areas of the cantonment mowed as best as possible,” he said. “And though there are plans in place, keeping up with the mowing this year will be a large haul for the team.”
Pat Daniels, DPTMS deputy director and chief of training, said the plan is to have Post Detail mow along Missouri Avenue, Gammon Field, and the Post Exchange and Commissary areas.
“Post Detail will focus on the main areas along Missouri Avenue,” Daniels said. “We will do the best we can, but please be patient as we are very limited in the number of personnel dedicated to mowing.”
Similar to last year, units will be responsible for mowing their own areas. Units with questions should contact the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence G-3 at 573.563.5652. Those mowing should also visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s site, for safety information.
Although this mowing season may be challenging, Lenox said there are several actions and opportunities, such as hiring exemptions and intergovernmental agreements, that are being explored and worked, but there may be areas that “are not mowed for a number of months.”
“The DPW team is committed to providing safe, quality and efficient services for the Fort Leonard Wood community,” Lenox said. “Every challenge presents an opportunity, and we are working and developing solutions diligently to meet the needs of our community. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work through this.”
