Middletown Soccer Field Parking Lot

Type: Permeable pavement

Use: Municipal

Installer: Unknown

Designer/Developer: GridTech (Design firm)

Installation Date: 1999

Address: 700 Mitchell Ln., Middletown, RI 02842

The Middletown soccer field parking lot at the intersection of Wyatt Road and Mitchell Lane in Middletown, RI was built in October 1999 and paved with Netpave 50. Netpave 50 consists of interlocking plastic open grid squares. These squares can be filled with gravel or turf, the grid stabilizes the surface and provides a durable paving solution for parking areas, pathways and access routes.

Netpave 50 pavers are made from 100% recycled polyethylene and connect by lugs and slots. These unique flexible elements can be laid on undulating surfaces and gradients. Netpave 50 can be filled with soil/grass and the cellular structure and open base enables unrestricted root growth. Alternatively it can be filled with gravel and the cellular structure will retain the stone and prevent loss or displacement.

Thomas O’Loughlin, the Public Works Director for the Parks and Recreation Department in Middletown, states that the grid has not deteriorated nor failed; overall he has been very pleased with the results. He does have to periodically top off the gravel because it tends to wash out overtime.

Overall, this has been a successful application, but it does demonstrate the need to ensure that the natural drainage patterns of the site are incorporated into final design plans and that proper installation occurs. According to Arthur Erhardt, the President of Grid Tech, there is pooling water and deposition of fine materials in the center of the parking lot area due to the fact that the contractors hired to build the lot did not place the storm drain in the correct location or use the soil recommended by Grid Tech. However, the grass continues to grow and in many areas completely covers the pavers despite cars parking on both sides of the lot.

Address: 700 Mitchell Ln., Middletown, RI 02842