PaveDrain | John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids MI
Background
John Ball Zoo is one of West Michigan’s most popular attractions, and steady growth in annual attendance created an equally steady demand for parking. To keep pace, the Zoo planned a major expansion of its Grand Rapids parking facilities — roughly 800 spaces — designed not simply to move more cars, but to do it sustainably.
The expansion was pursued as a green building project under the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), a comprehensive framework for designing, developing, and managing sustainable, resilient, nature-positive landscapes that has become a recognized standard in the rapidly evolving ESG reporting world.
Challenge
A parking expansion of this scale adds a significant amount of impervious surface and stormwater runoff. The design had to increase capacity and improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety while exceeding local stormwater requirements — all without sacrificing the natural, visitor-friendly character of the Zoo.
Solution
Working with engineering firm Progressive AE and installer Twin Lakes Nursery, interfaceh2o supplied approximately 24,000 sq ft (23,795 sq ft) of PaveDrain permeable articulating concrete pavement. PaveDrain’s patented arched, open-cell design lets stormwater infiltrate directly through the driving surface into a built-in storage reservoir, reducing runoff at its source. Paired with rain gardens, all-native plantings, and underground storage, the system lets the new lot exceed stormwater requirements while advancing the project’s SITES goals.
- Increase parking capacity and expand the paved spaces to about 800
- Improve traffic circulation within the parking area and adjacent access roads
- Enhance safety for pedestrians, drivers, and the neighborhood
- Integrate sustainable, aesthetically pleasing design using all native plantings
- Exceed stormwater requirements through rain gardens, pervious pavers, and underground storage
Project Partners & Details
Engineering Firm: Progressive AE
Product Installer: Twin Lakes Nursery
Product: approximately 24,000 sq ft (23,795) of PaveDrain
Location: John Ball Zoo parking lot, Grand Rapids, MI
Project Completion Date: Estimated: Spring 2025
