Join Green Building Alliance and Pittsburgh Water for a look at new solutions being implemented across Pittsburgh to reduce flooding, decrease pollution, and modernize local stormwater infrastructure. This interactive lunch and learn will take us to a shining example of stormwater management.

The two-phased Wightman Park Improvement Project in Squirrel Hill was more than just a facelift – it provided a much-needed answer to the stormwater problems that the Park and surrounding neighborhood routinely experienced. To achieve its goals, the project focused on more than just the Park, instead deploying a comprehensive neighborhood-wide approach and adding a network of green stormwater solutions that captures and conveys stormwater directly to the Park.

As a result, stormwater in this part of Squirrel Hill is now effectively directed and managed.  A rain garden and underground storage enable the Park to capture over 350,000 gallons of stormwater runoff. Green stormwater infrastructure promotes natural infiltration, preventing flooding, sewer overflows into the Monongahela River, and basement sewage backups in the surrounding area. 

Over a light lunch, attendees will hear from Pittsburgh Water engineers on the importance of stormwater management, green stormwater infrastructure, and the Wightman Park Project. A tour of the Park and surrounding neighborhood will highlight installed features and their benefits to the community.

Meet the Speaker

Ryan Quinn is an Associate Project Manager at Pittsburgh Water. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and a certified Project Management Professional. Since 2016, he has supported planning, design, construction, and operations of urban stormwater infrastructure across Pittsburgh. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pittsburgh Section.

Holly Bomba is the Manager of Community Relations at Pittsburgh Water, through which she manages Pittsburgh Water’s K-12 Scholastic and Community Outreach Program. She works to build public awareness around the many Pittsburgh Water initiatives underway to provide the communities we serve with safe, reliable water services. She works directly with community members to educate about water quality, our drinking water treatment process, stormwater management, and our city’s sewer system.