The RiverFront

Omaha, NE, United States

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The RiverFront

Omaha, NE, United States

Firm

OJB Landscape Architecture

Type

Landscape + Planning › Public Park Urban Green Space

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1,000,000 +

BUDGET

$100M +

The RiverFront is a compelling example of how urban planning and design can revitalize riverfront cities. Comprised of 72 acres of downtown parkland along the Missouri River, the project scope includes complete transformation of three underutilized parks into a unified, active experience from the downtown gateway to the shore. The 1970’s-era parks were characterized by steep edges and a sunken center, with large expanses of lawn. In addition, two of the parks were remediated brownfields. This sharpness of grade conditions created limited crossings and numerous internal circulation concerns.

The new design adjusts the grades of the terrain to reconnect the park to the city and provide numerous opportunities to enter and engage the space. Gene Leahy Mall was raised to street level at its downtown edge and draws visitors into a highly programmed park experience. The gradient of activity continues with Heartland of America Park, featuring scaled destinations of a four-season skate ribbon and distinctive observation pier overlooking the River. Lewis and Clark Landing is the northernmost destination, with an adventure playground, children’s museum, and urban beach. The parks have an intimate scale of outdoor rooms filled with native planting, with large swaths of restored prairie at the River’s edge. A nonprofit maintains and operates the park with events that encourage social and physical health and wellness. Diverse, active programming is paired with places for reflection and connection to nature, underscoring Omaha’s commitment to community vibrancy. The remarkable public-private partnership has already catalyzed additional investment in mobility, job creation, and economic development.