SurePave Case Study | Expanding Parking on a Grassed Surface

The Challenge:  

Ryan had always dreamed of running his own business, and over the years, his industrial supply company in South Auckland had gone from strength to strength. What started as a small operation had flourished into a bustling hub, with customers and suppliers visiting daily, and a growing team of staff keeping everything running smoothly. Business was booming, and while he knew that expansion was on the horizon, Ryan was determined to make the most of his current location before considering the leap to a larger, more expensive site.

Growth always has challenges, and at the time, one of the most pressing was parking. Ryan’s existing spaces filled up quickly, and the nature of his business meant he often needed to keep areas beside the building free for delivery trucks coming and going. On busier days, customers and staff were left circling for a spot, with no convenient street parking nearby. The only option was the grassy section at the back of the property—a natural soft, green space that Ryan did not want to lose.

During the dry summer months, this informal carpark overflow worked well enough, but as soon as the autumn rains arrived, the once-pristine grass turned into a churned-up mess. Vehicles left deep ruts in the soft ground, and before long, the area became a muddy eyesore, unusable and frustrating for everyone. Ryan knew he needed a permanent solution but did not like the thought of covering the space in more concrete. He wanted to keep the natural charm of the area while ensuring it was practical and durable year-round. There had to be a better way.

The Solution:

Determined to find a solution that balanced functionality with aesthetics, Ryan was told about SurePave—a permeable paving system designed to reinforce grassy areas while allowing them to remain green and natural. As he read more about it, he realised it was exactly what he had been searching for.

With SurePave, he could transform his grassy space into a robust parking area without sacrificing the verdant lawn. The innovative recycled plastic pavers would prevent vehicles from sinking into the soil, eliminating the ruts and mud that had caused so many headaches. Rainwater would no longer pool and create a mess but instead filter naturally through the ground, easing pressure on local drainage systems. And, perhaps most importantly, he wouldn’t have to say goodbye to the grass that softened the aesthetic of his commercial premises.

Excited by the possibilities, Ryan set about preparing the base layer and installing SurePave. He could have chosen to lay the pavers and sow fresh grass seed, but he needed a solution that was ready to use straight away. Instead, he opted to press ready-made turf directly into the pavers, instantly creating a seamless blend of strength and natural beauty. Within a day, his once-muddy overflow had been transformed into a firm, stable parking area—one that could handle cars, Utes, and even the occasional delivery vehicle with ease.

One of Ryan’s biggest concerns had been the large tree that stood in the middle of the space. He had no intention of losing it, and he knew that conventional concrete paving could suffocate its roots, cutting off the vital water and nutrients it needed to thrive. SurePave, however, allowed him to create parking around the tree without harming it. Water could still reach the soil, keeping the roots nourished and ensuring the tree remained a healthy, central feature of his property.

The Result: 

The change was immediate. What had once been a problematic, muddy patch was now a functional, attractive, and weatherproof parking area that blended perfectly with the rest of the site. With seven additional spaces available, customers and staff could park with confidence, no longer worrying about getting stuck in the mud or tracking dirt around the building. The frustration of limited parking had disappeared, replaced by a sense of ease and organisation.

But the benefits stretched beyond just convenience. By choosing SurePave over concrete, Ryan had made a choice that supported sustainability and long-term resilience. Rainwater could now soak naturally into the ground rather than overwhelming stormwater drains, helping to protect the local environment. His beloved tree remained healthy, standing proudly within the newly reinforced green space. And aesthetically, his business still had the welcoming, natural feel he had always valued—something that concrete would never have achieved.

As Ryan looked over the finished project, he felt a sense of pride in the decision he had made. He had found a way to support his growing business without compromising on what mattered most to him. With his parking worries behind him, he could focus on the future—knowing that when the time came to expand, he had made the very best use of the space he had.