The TurfMutt Great Lawn at Waterfront Park will host a live GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt on May 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., while showcasing high-performance turfgrass care at one of the city’s most iconic green spaces.
Power technology company Rehlko will attempt to set the record for fastest mowing of an area the size of an American football field, using a mower powered by Rehlko’s Command PRO 999 cc (41 hp) gasoline engine. The official driver, Hali Rieman, known professionally as “Lawn Queen,” was selected through a nationwide program and will operate under official timing and adjudication conditions set by on-site GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicators.
Official record requirements call for grass maintained at a minimum height of six inches to mirror unpredictable, high-load environments. The attempt is part of Rehlko’s global “Cutting History” initiative. The event is free and open to the public.
“This is more than a record attempt—it’s a celebration of the power and purpose of well-managed green space,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and Equip Exposition. “We’re excited about this event because it highlights why mowing matters. Mowing stimulates grass to grow, and growing turf works harder—sequestering more carbon, producing more oxygen, and delivering greater environmental benefits.”
Real, living turfgrass also captures and filters rainwater, helps mitigate heat, and traps dust and particulate matter, making communities healthier and more resilient.
"We're excited to bring a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt to Waterfront Park and the city of Louisville," said Deborah Bilitski, president and executive director of Waterfront Park. "The TurfMutt Great Lawn is one of our signature gathering spaces, and this is a unique way to highlight what the space can support and the community that continues to show up for it. We value partnerships with organizations like the TurfMutt Foundation and Rehlko that think creatively and share a commitment to stewardship and community, and we look forward to seeing this come to life."
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute reminds anyone using a lawn mower or other outdoor power equipment to keep kids and pets away from working machines.
“Outdoor power equipment makes big jobs easier and more efficient, but always follow safety precautions,” advises Kiser.
Additional details about the May 16 event are available at ourwaterfront.org/events. To learn more about harnessing the power of parks, backyards and other green spaces, visit TurfMutt.com.
