GEOBLOCK Rigid Paver System Provides Green Parking Option

Project Name: Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Pow Wow Grounds

Project Location: Battle Creek, MI

Project Background

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) constructed a Pow Wow area to host cultural gatherings and public awareness events, and they required a space nearby to park trailers and other vehicles. The ground consisted of soft clay that rutted easily, resulting in heavy trailers frequently getting stuck or bogged down. To preserve the natural beauty of the reservation setting, the project leaders wanted to construct “grass roads” rather than traditional asphalt. The contractor worked with Presto Geosystems’ material supplier in Michigan to explore their options for a green parking area that could handle occasional traffic. To meet the unique needs of the project, the contractor selected the GEOBLOCK®5150 Grass Pavers.

GEOBLOCK5150 Grass Pavement System Benefits

The GEOBLOCK5150 system provides load distribution up to H/HS25 loading, high resistance to rutting and torsional loading stresses, and excellent turf protection. For the NHBP project, the high crush strength of the GEOBLOCK5150 units also resulted in lower installation costs as the required base layer thickness was reduced, relative to lighter-weight or rolled systems.

By using an engineered base (topsoil/aggregate mix) as infill, the GEOBLOCK5150 system encourages deeper root growth and healthier grass performance. The deeper cells (2”) also prevent topsoil compaction and vegetative damage caused by repeated loadings, helping to keep the area looking well-maintained. The rigid grass pavement system also promotes natural stormwater infiltration, thereby reducing runoff and the need for costly and unsightly detention or retention ponds.

GEOBLOCK5150 Installation

The porous pavement system was installed in October to complete the project before the first snowfall. The crew leveled off the ground and placed the panels in a herringbone pattern. This pattern is recommended when there is going to be bi-directional traffic or a lot of turning and movement, which is typical of parking lots.

The Results

The GEOBLOCK5150 Grass Pavers allowed the NHBP to provide a parking area for their Pow Wow grounds while maintaining a green aesthetic, meeting stormwater requirements, and minimizing the impact on the environment.

“The GEOBLOCK5150 installed much quicker than I anticipated and I was very happy with the product from start to finish!” Paul Cuffle, Project Manager, Outdoor World.