The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA), developer, owner and operator of U.S. Cellular Field, has unveiled the first environmentally friendly permeable paving parking lot to be used by a Major League sports facility. The new lot will save taxpayer money by substantially reducing the amount of water entering Chicago's storm water system, improve overall water quality and help reduce the urban heat island effect.
"This environmentally friendly project sets a precedent for sports facilities across the country and further enhances Chicago as one of the 'greenest' cities in America," said Perri Irmer, ISFA's chief executive officer.
Parking Lot L, located between West 38th Street and West Pershing Road and between South Princeton Avenue and South Stewart Avenue, spans more than six acres (or the area of approximately four and a half football fields); it is now the largest permeable paving parking lot in the country.
“ISFA is committed to maintaining U.S. Cellular Field as a world-class sports facility. We are very pleased be able to improve the fans’ experience while both saving money and protecting the environment,” Irmer said.
The permeable paving system allows water to infiltrate and collect below the paving surface, substantially lessening or eliminating the amount of water entering the city’s storm water system, reducing localized flooding. The detained water is eventually absorbed into the subgrade below the surface and released naturally back into the environment, filtering out most contaminants. A project using the permeable paving system, which meets both low-impact development and LEED guidelines, typically costs less, lasts twice as long, requires less maintenance and is more durable than traditional bituminous asphalt projects. Additionally, the system uses recycled materials, helps recharge groundwater and reduces the urban heat island effect.
In coordination with the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, the Chicago White Sox and partners like Unilock, ISFA broke ground on the permeable paving project in November 2007. The overall project was overseen by ISFA, and installation costs were funded by the Chicago White Sox.
The 265,000-sq-ft section of Parking Lot L meets the new 2008 city of Chicago storm water management ordinance that is designed to promote programs that minimize storm water runoff and erosion control impacts of new development and redevelopment. The completion of Lot L builds on the success of programs such as the city of Chicago’s award-winning Green Alleys program. Chicago’s Department of Transportation is also evaluating new approaches to storm water management and energy consumption.
In order to transform Parking Lot L into an eco-friendly permeable paving parking lot, ISFA worked with Unilock, manufacturer of paving stones and retaining walls; Site Design Group Inc., award-winning landscape architecture design firm recognized for its work in sports facilities; Rose Paving Co., parking lot solutions provider; and Environmental Design Intl. Inc., a full-service national engineering firm committed to green initiatives.
