At left: Dennis and his wife Debbie Zurakowski. At right: Lisa Chaves, McWane EHS/HR Systems Administrator. (Photo taken by Tamara Wright, Amerex Corporation)

On October 2, 2015, over 80 members of the Birmingham Environmental Professionals’ Association (BEPA) met for breakfast to hear Dennis Zurakowski, McWane Group Environmental Compliance Director, discuss McWane’s development of Greenwood Park. In his presentation, titled “Integrated Storm Water Management and Recreation Area,” Dennis shared how McWane developed Greenwood Park as a multi-purpose recreational facility for the local community.

Dennis emphasized some of the challenges encountered during development of the park including shallow bedrock, old sewer lines associated with the former neighborhood, and the need to construct a restroom facility in a floodplain. Dennis also highlighted the complex storm water detention system used to capture the “first flush” from neighboring industrial areas during heavy rainfall events. The park, including its modern playground equipment and soccer fields, are enjoyed on a daily basis by the residents of the surrounding communities.

McWane was recognized in 2014 by the Cahaba River Society for their development of Greenwood Park.

Article courtesy of John Milledge, Action Environmental