Case Study: Georgia Dept of Natural Resources
NDS GRAVEL PAVERS AT GEORGIA DNR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME
In 2017, Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources was in the process of constructing a parking lot for public could access to Lake Allatoona, a 6,800-acre area that offers hunting and fishing activity, a boat ramp and wildlife viewing. The DNR specifically requested that the new parking area blend in with the natural park environment. In addition, the team wanted to ensure the lot would be low-maintenance and made of environmentally friendly materials.
Knowing the DNR wanted a clean, natural look for the new lot and lake access, the NDS team recommended its EZ Roll gravel pavers. When filled, EZ Roll pavers have a compressive strength of 500,000 lbs., making the product ideal for a highly trafficked public parking area. The pavers also environmentally friendly as they are made from 100% HPDE recycled plastic and contribute to LEED credits.
EASY MAINTENANCE AND PLACEMENT
The project specifier appreciated that the gravel pavers would require less maintenance over time compared to traditional concrete or asphalt and would not produce any stormwater runoff. And because of its permeability, would also minimize demands on the drainage systems in the area.
During installation, approximately 10 rolls of pavers were needed to create 64 parking spaces and an access driveway to Lake Allatoona. Given the product comes in large rolls and features locking tabs on the sides and ends, the construction team reported an easy installation. The DNR chose the black option – though the pavers are also available in tan and grey – as it blended in well with the surrounding area and the 3/8" limestone they used to fill it with. The pavers are also available in tan and grey.
Each parking stall was indicated by the use of NDS exclusive parking delineators. These colored markers outline the spaces for vehicles and help keep the parking area well organized.
FIVE YEAR CHECK SHOWS DURABILTY OF PRODUCT
The project was completed in July 2017, and a review of the durability and look of the pavers was conducted in 2022. After 5 years of constant use and heavy traffic from multiple vehicle types (including boat trailers and busses), the paver system is still performing well. With limited maintenance, the parking areas remain serviceable, and have sustained the high traffic as well as the dynamic loading caused by vehicles pulling trailers and boats. Rainwater is still able to permeate through the system and has held up well to the heavy weights.