CHALLENGE

In an effort to respect the environmental concerns, the Town of Oakville decided in 2008 to design and resurface a park with permeable paving. The commitment of installing a permeable parking lot was first identified by the Environmental Strategic Plan Advisory Committee in 2008 and South Shell Park was chosen as the pilot project. The Town had adopted a new Official Plan which included a “Livable Oakville”. According to Frank Loconte, OALA, ISA and Landscape Architect with Oakville, “the plan must pay special attention to Storm Water Management”. The plan states that Stormwater Management Techniques shall be used in the design of new developments to control both quality and quantity of storm water run off. The use of permeable surfaces and soft landscaping shall be encouraged where possible.

INFLUENCE

Oakville hired the firm, Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects, to design and oversee the construction of the parking lot, located on sandy soils adjacent to Lake Ontario – therefore it was perfect for permeable pavers. South Shell Park is used all year round, providing extra drainage insurance is a factor that was taken seriously. The Town wanted to ensure if the sub-grade was to freeze up , or the catch basin became blocked with ice, there would still be positive drainage.

SOLUTION

Cosburn Giberson selected Eco-Optiloc because of its permeability, strength and performance features and proven track record. The color selected was Terra Cotta with Double Holland border to decipher parking lines. Series in Black Granite and Brussels Block in Sandstone colors were also utilized in pedestrian areas, adding to the dramatic impact of the hardscaping in the park.

As mentioned, South Shell Park is used all year round where extra drainage insurance was a factor. To address this problem, a catchbasin was installed along with curb cuts. A large storm pipe was very close by which minimized costs to install the catch basin. This ensured when the catch basin became blocked with ice, there would still be positive drainage.

In a past discussion, the contractor, DDR’s owner, Domenic DiRisio, the Town and Consultant were very pleased with the overall result.Frank Loconte, OALA, ISA and Landscape Architect with Oakville, went on to say that he does not believe that residents are aware the parking lot is permeable, but have had comments on the “attractive” appearance of the parking lot, which is rare.

“The permeable paver system was completed in May of 2009 and considering the many storms we have experienced this year, the drainage system has performed flawlessly with no standing water, even minutes after a major storm event, ” said Mr. Loconte.

The Town of Oakville believes the South Shell Park parking lot has been a success. They achieved their goals by significantly reducing the amount of rainwater entering the municipal storm system, reducing site run-off and eliminating the need for a traditional storm system. The added benefit is a long term life cycle cost as interlocking stone will significantly outlast the traditional asphalt paving surfaces.