Construction challenges in the 2,500-space parking facility were solved by the right combination of people to make the concept work. This trend throughout Florida includes churches, community colleges, and home lawns. Environmental Rationale Parking on Argentine bahiagrass Asphalt and other non-evaporative surfaces absorb heat energy, dissipating it back to people by radiation and air convection. Because of its evaporative cooling, turfgrass reduces soil and adjacent air temperatures so we feel cooler. Developments in Florida must provide for storm-water retention within their own boundaries.
Special impoundments offset impervious areas, allowing percolation, but temporary ponds can occur.
Standing water injures turfgrass and other plants, facilitating succession to sedges and other inadequately rooted species. Management of small wet areas is difficult and mosquito problems and other hazards can occur. Florida shopping malls sometimes use long, narrow, ditch-like catchments located between parking ranges. These steep, often wet, areas are hazardous for people to cross, and they can become catchments for shopping carts and trash. The vehicular turf alternative can increase groundwater recharge efficiency because trafficked areas are used simultaneously for percolation.