If you’ve walked along The Greenway lately and noticed a lawn section marked “This Lawn is Resting”, you might be wondering what’s going on. After all, these open green spaces are usually the perfect spot for a picnic, a play break, or simply stretching out with a good book during lunch. So why the closure?
The answer is simple: even lawns need rest.
Photo Credit: Anthony Crisafulli
Life on a Busy Park Lawn
Each year, The Greenway is home to more than 400 free events—from food festivals and fitness classes to concerts and cultural celebrations. With so much joyful activity, our lawns work just as hard as our staff and volunteers. Sometimes, they need a little extra care to bounce back and stay healthy for the community.
Occasionally after a big event or program, we take the time to resod the area with new grass. This new sod needs about two weeks of undisturbed time to grow strong roots and establish itself. Think of it like hitting pause so the grass can recharge for the seasons ahead.
Why Rest Matters
Grass may seem simple, but it’s a living plant with a natural cycle. Heavy foot traffic compacts the soil and wears down the blades, making it harder for the lawn to thrive. By giving new sod time to rest, we’re ensuring its roots grow deep enough to absorb nutrients, retain moisture, and withstand all the fun to come.
An Organic Commitment
Caring for The Greenway’s lawns takes more than just downtime—it takes patience. We steward the park organically, which means no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or chemical shortcuts. While this process can take a little longer, it’s better for everyone: people, pets, pollinators, and the environment.
This thoughtful, natural approach ensures that our park remains a safe, welcoming space for all.
How You Can Help
Here’s where you come in: walking on the lawn too soon can damage those tender new roots before they’re ready. By respecting the temporary closure, you’re helping us protect the lawn so it can thrive for months (and even years) to come.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Every small action—like giving our lawns time to rest—helps The Greenway continue to flourish naturally, for everyone. While this space recovers, we invite you to explore the many other lawns, gardens, art, and experiences waiting for you across the park.