Oct 21 2008
When the City of Leawood, Kan., implemented new regulations requiring developers to address stormwater runoff for the health of the community, local officials knew that their own construction practices would reflect the expected and required policies.
One of the first projects was a new parking lot in I-Lan Park. The park’s proximity to a creek meant that keeping oil, grease, and debris from entering the water and contributing to flooding was of utmost concern.
City officials selected pervious concrete for the parking lot for stormwater mitigation purposes. They realized that “green” sustainable construction practices not only benefit the city, but can also be cost effective. The parking lot at I-Lan Park was originally designed to be six inches of asphalt on dirt. Based on similar asphalt lots, the City would have been providing maintenance to the lot every four to six years. The City expects the pervious lot to last at least 20 years, with little maintenance.
Other cities in the Greater Kansas City metro area have taken notice. Olathe, Kan., recently bid a city parking lot for a recreation center with pervious concrete as a part of the project. On the other side of the state line, Kansas City, Mo., is working on a specification for city sidewalks to have a pervious concrete option.
In recognition of their efforts to promote sustainable development through the use of concrete- and cement-based products, Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn and Joe Johnson, director of public works, are recipients of the 2008 PCA Sustainable Leadership Awards.