The transformation of three parks in downtown Omaha’s core, collectively known as the RiverFront, has revolutionized the community’s relationship with urban green spaces. Despite their nearly six-decade history, three neighboring parks had grown stagnant over time, with disjointed access leading to dwindling utilization. Complicating matters further, one park was situated amid a largely metropolitan backdrop, while the other two contended with challenges as remediated brownfields. The entire revitalization project breathed new life into the trio of parks, forging a cohesive, highly programmed and amenity-rich expanse spanning 72 acres near the Missouri River. By elevating sunken areas to ground level, the redesigned parks restore street access and pedestrian connectivity in the urban core, making way for expansive lawns, performance pavilions, play areas, and captivating public art installations.
Revitalization is centered on the impetus for a more active place, with diverse social and recreational areas. At the street level, the former Gene Leahy Mall returns pedestrian access from downtown. The site is organized around a formal body of water, including a central event lawn and performance pavilion, multiuse social spaces, a sculpture garden, a dog park, an iconic children’s play area, an interactive water feature, restrooms, and a games area. A gradient of active programmed spaces continues across the site, with the middle portion of the park acting as a mediating space between the busy urban core and the meandering Missouri River. Within this space, a larger trail network connects to a sequence of destinations that can support large gatherings, festivals, or concerts. Notable destinations include an all-season skate ribbon, urban beach bordering the Missouri River, and a series of family-friendly spaces including an adventure playground and extensive water features.
Complementing these enhancements are upgraded pedestrian sidewalks, strategically placed crosswalks, pedestrian bridges and walking paths, along with dedicated bike lanes, ensuring safe and seamless access to the parks and spaces lining the Missouri River. Water-efficient irrigation, bioretention facilities, and specialized soils ensure the long-term health of the native and drought-tolerant trees and plantings parkwide. The entire composition is now a cohesive necklace of public spaces that once again connects downtown to the riverfront.
The center park integrates a regraded portion of the lake edge, increasing usable area. The new Farnum Pier hovers over the banks of the Missouri, anchoring the eastern edge of the park and restoring pedestrian access to the river. The pier’s striking architecture and colorful light displays create a beacon for Omaha, from which visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Missouri and a direct pedestrian connection to the downtown. Other program elements include botanical gardens, an event lawn, a four-season skate ribbon, skate rental and food kiosks, bocce ball courts, play areas, and horseshoe pits.
The third and final park sits on a former industrial site. An urban beach with seating hides the floodwall. Visitors can enjoy a day at the beach with volleyball, lounging, bocce ball, and unobstructed views of the river. The park is further anchored by the Luminarium, a STEM museum that dovetails with educational programming and adventure play paths.
The landscape is fully restorative, with over 1,500 new trees and 100,000 plants reflecting native diversity and restored prairie grassland. Sustainable systems and plants showcase the beauty of the ecoregion while reducing maintenance costs. Native species support pollinators, require no fertilizer or pesticides, and need minimal watering after establishment. They also improve soil health by sequestering carbon, enhancing moisture retention, and reducing runoff through improved infiltration.
Since opening, the parks have welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, with three tiers of activation across six programming categories. This revitalization has greatly benefited the downtown core, bringing people and businesses together in a hub of entertainment and culture, reconnecting the community with the river.
Credits:
HDR: Civil, Environmental, Architectural, Structural, Bridge Engineering, Public Involvement, Transportation, Permitting
Alvine Engineering: MEP Engineering
Gensler: Architecture for Pavilions and Performance Shell
Atelier Ten: Lighting Design
Safdie Rabines Architects: Bridge/Pier Design
MR Global: Specialty Lighting
RSM: Environmental Graphic Design
Studio Ludo: Play Consultant
Pine and Swallow: Soil Science
ADBC Architecture & Engineering: Shade Structures and Trellises
Terracon: Geotechnical Engineering and Special Inspections
RES: Restoration Ecologist
Walker Consultant: Parking Consultant
Lamp Rynearson Associates: Survey and Platting
Marx | Okubo: ADA Consultant
900 Farnam St #100, Omaha, NE 68102