Pull into the new parking lot at St. John's Lutheran Church and you'll notice quickly that something's different.

There's no asphalt. Instead, thousands of interlocking concrete pavers cover the ground. It's a parking lot that protects nearby rivers and streams.

Belgard Hardscapes constructed the parking lot. Territory Sales Manager Darryl Sapp said when it rains the water seeps in between the pavers and collects in layers of gravel underneath. He adds, "We hold the water in the system. The system filters the water and treats it. It takes the impurities out of the water. We release that storm water at a controlled rate so we reduce scarring of our streams and flooding."

The eco-friendly parking lot is designed to last 50 years. The pavers are also light in color so they reflect the sun and stay cooler in the summer.

Church member Garry Menendez says this type of parking lot will pave the way of the future. " Not only is this parking lot going to be functional and creative, it's going to send a really sustainable message to the community. You can design a parking lot to be good to the environment, " he said.