Kenefick Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kenefick Park |
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![]() Kenefick Park as seen from I-80.
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Type | Municipal (Omaha) |
Location | South Omaha |
Area | 78 acres (320,000 m2) |
Created | 1891 |
Status | Open all year |
Kenefick Park is a fun public park located in South Omaha, Nebraska. It is named after John Kenefick, who used to be a very important leader at the Union Pacific Railroad company. This park is a great place to visit, especially if you love trains!
Discover Kenefick Park
Kenefick Park sits at the southwest edge of Lauritzen Gardens, which is Omaha's amazing botanical garden. You can find it just north of Interstate 80 and close to the Missouri River, which forms the border with Iowa. It's easy to spot because of the giant trains on display!
Amazing Trains on Display
The coolest part of Kenefick Park is that it shows off two of the most powerful trains ever built by Union Pacific. These aren't just any trains; they are huge, historic locomotives!
- EMD DDA40X No. 6900: This was the very first train of its kind. It's a massive diesel-electric locomotive, known for its incredible power.
- Big Boy No. 4023: The Big Boy locomotives are some of the largest and strongest steam locomotives ever made. Seeing one up close is truly impressive!
These trains are like giant sculptures, showing off the history of railroads in America.
A Park on the Move
Did you know Kenefick Park wasn't always in this exact spot? In 2004, the park was moved from its original location near downtown Omaha. It was relocated to make space for a new building called the CenturyLink Center Omaha. This building is a big place where concerts, sports events, and large meetings happen. The park found its new home next to Lauritzen Gardens, where many more people can enjoy it today.