Lawn & Ophelia Parklet

Overview

This project focused on the small, triangular-shaped park between Lawn and Ophelia Streets in the South Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The City had identified this property in their Open Space Plan as “suitable for divestment,” and plans were enacted by PWSA to convert this parklet into a community green space with stormwater management features. The goal for this project is to manage the first 1.5 inches of rainfall from the 1.86 acres of currently directly connected impervious surfaces that drain to this site.

Green infrastructure elements of the plan include both below ground and above ground amenities. A new closed drainage system with green inlets was designed to collect water via new inlet basins and deliver that water to new stormwater detention features in the park. The closed drainage system provides the option to homeowners to disconnect downspouts. Curb bump-out stormwater planter on the north end of the park convey water from the closed drainage system to the new rain garden and underground storage in the park. The park itself was to be upgraded with a new ADA accessible path around the rain garden, a viewing deck, and low maintenance landscaping.

As Project Manager and Contract Prime, Ethos was responsible for coordinating the efforts of numerous subconsultants, and led the overall design, stormwater modeling, plan production, permitting, and community engagement efforts. Although it was anticipated to meet performance and cost targets, the project was placed on hold by PWSA at nearly 100% design, due to shifting budget priorities.