Schenley Park's George Westinghouse Memorial Gets Makeover

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- George Westinghouse was one of Pittsburgh's industrial giants, and the company he founded here lives on more than 100 years after his death.

On Thursday, a memorial in his name received a makeover and his family members came from far and wide to see the dedication.

"He has touched so many people, hundreds of thousands of lives. Directly through employment, indirectly through the benefits that have come from his company," the President and CEO of Wabtec, Ray Betler, said.

Sixteen Westinghouse family members from all over the country traveled to Pittsburgh to take part in the celebration at Schenley Park.

"There are children who are fifth generation from the inventor who will remember this event," said Westinghouse's great-grandson, George Westinghouse IV.

The Westinghouse Memorial has been a distinctive feature of Schenley Park for more than 80 years.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has overseen the $3 million renovation, which includes a full restoration of the sculpture and lily pond. New landscaping with native plants and lighting were also installed, as well as a new stormwater management system.

"We have rain gardens here that capture the storm water," said City Councilman Corey O'Connor. "There's also the vegetation here that are special plants that absorb more storm water run-off."

The stormwater runoff from the stream and hillside had damaged areas around the monument. But now much of the water for the new lily pond will come from the diverted storm water system.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

The entire renovation will help continue the legacy that George Westinghouse's family would love to see live forever.

"I am really thankful to have the opportunity to bring my children here, to inspire them to continue the legacy of innovation and kindness," Westinghouse's great-great granddaughter, Selena Lawrie, said. "It's so hard to actually explain how important this actually is in terms of carrying on this legacy."