After Trinity Lutheran installed a rain-soaking parking lot, the Peoria church enlisted the local fire department to prove the power of permeable pavers. Firefighters dumped 10,000 gallons of water — 550 gallons per minute — on the new parking lot located at 135 NE Randolph Avenue. Not a single puddle formed!

Unlike pavement, which can’t absorb water, permeable pavers work like a sponge. They help prevent stormwater runoff and restore the natural flow of water. Trinity Lutheran’s project demonstrates the value of green infrastructure — and how one Peoria organization’s decision to go green can benefit our entire city.