Stormwater upgrades at Kennedy Park in Sharpsburg expected to keep flooding at bay

Kennedy Park in Sharpsburg will undergo an overhaul that is expected to keep the popular recreation area from being swampy after a heavy storm.

Borough officials said the stormwater management plan will transform the spot along North Canal Street.

“This project is a game-changer,” Manager Christine DeRunk said. “It will increase safety for residents and business owners, and reduce damage to property during weather events.”

And, it will be covered by help from a federal grant.

The borough was awarded $132,000 with the help of Congressman Chris Deluzio’s office.

Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, selected the project after outreach to local groups and stakeholders.

“This is stuff that’s going to make life better for us in Western Pennsylvania,” Deluzio said.

Reduced exposure to flooding is expected to spur economic development, he said.

Money will be used to design and engineer a stormwater management project to be built under the park.

“We are thrilled to receive funding,” DeRunk said.

When complete, work will significantly mitigate repeated flooding in several areas of town that are prone to sewage overflow.

Construction of the new system is expected to prevent about 714,000 gallons of stormwater from flowing into the combined sewer system. That will provide substantial flood risk relief to residents in low-lying areas, officials said.

Work will include native plants, pollinators and shade, which likely will improve the quality of life for park-goers, Deluzio said.