Illinois School Adds Permeable Parking Lot

North High School in Downers Grove, Ill., is saving upwards of $40,000 in stormwater management costs by installing permeable pavers in its newly expanded parking lot.

North High School in Downers Grove, Ill., is saving taxpayers a bundle by upgrading its newly enlarged east parking lot with permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete.

District workers are expected to finish installing the new lot before school begins on August 27. The permeable pavers will cover both the original parking lot area and a converted grass field adjacent to the original space. The decision to install permeable pavers is expected to save taxpayers between $40,000 to $100,000 in project costs.

''The decision to install permeable pavers was made for one reason: economics,'' said Marty Schack, district director of facilities. ''The types of pavers we are installing are the most advanced available on the market today, and are a really green solution.'' Installing permeable pavers allows the district to sidestep the need for an expensive stormwater management system, such as an underground retention pond or excavation for drainage, to prevent overflow into the surrounding underground water systems. The pavers will replicate the work of the removed grass field by absorbing and processing the runoff from rain and snow into the ground, without the necessary upkeep that turfgrass requires. Maintenance of the parking lot will also be simplified since in-house district staff will be able to make repairs to the pavers, in lieu of hiring a more expensive asphalt or concrete technician.