List of parks in Omaha, Nebraska facts for kids
Welcome to the amazing parks of Omaha, Nebraska! This article will tell you all about the fun green spaces, playgrounds, and natural areas where you can play, relax, and explore. Most parks in Omaha are looked after by the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department. They make sure everyone has great places to enjoy the outdoors.
Contents
The Story of Omaha's Parks
Early Green Spaces in Omaha
When Omaha was first planned in 1854, a person named Alfred D. Jones drew four special park areas on the city map. These first parks were called Jefferson Square, Washington Park, Capitol Square, and one unnamed spot by the river. Over time, some of these original parks changed. For example, Jefferson Square was removed in 1969 to build a highway. Part of that area is now the beautiful Heartland of America Park.
Growing the Park System
Hanscom Park was the very first park created in Omaha. This happened in 1889. By 1920, Omaha had several large parks. These included Miller, Fontenelle, Elmwood, and Riverview. Did you know that Riverview Park Zoo eventually grew into the famous Henry Doorly Zoo? Levi Carter Park was also a huge park, covering about 220 acres (89 hectares).
Parks and Boulevards
In 1889, a famous landscape architect named Horace Cleveland helped design Omaha's special boulevard system. These wide, tree-lined streets were meant to connect the different parks. This whole system, called the Omaha Park and Boulevard System, was recognized as a historic place in 2013.
Who Looks After the Parks?
The City of Omaha has a special group called the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Public Property. Their job is to manage and take care of all the public parks in the city. They make sure the parks are clean, safe, and fun for everyone to use.
Cool Parks to Visit in Omaha
Omaha has many wonderful parks, each with its own special features. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Heartland of America Park
This park is right in downtown Omaha. It's famous for its huge fountain that shoots water high into the air. You can also enjoy boat rides on the lake and see beautiful lights at night. It's a great spot for events and enjoying views of the city.
Gene Leahy Mall
The Gene Leahy Mall is a long, green space that stretches through downtown. It has waterfalls, sculptures, and places to sit and relax. It's a popular spot for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the city atmosphere.
Kenefick Park
Located next to the Lauritzen Gardens, Kenefick Park is home to two giant trains! You can see the "Big Boy" steam locomotive, which is one of the largest ever built, and the "Centennial" diesel locomotive. It's a cool place for train lovers to visit.
Freedom Park
At Freedom Park, you can explore real ships! This park is home to the USS Hazard, a minesweeper, and the USS Marlin, a submarine. It's a unique chance to learn about naval history. The park also hosts the Nebraska Cricket Club.
Zorinsky Lake Park
Created in 1993, Zorinsky Lake Park is a huge park with over seven miles (11 km) of paved trails. It's perfect for biking, fishing, and boating. The park also has playgrounds, picnic areas, and soccer fields for lots of outdoor fun.
Dodge Park
Dodge Park was founded in 1930. It's a great place for fishing, water skiing, and boating on the Missouri River. You can also go hiking, play baseball or soccer, and enjoy picnic areas. It even has a campground if you want to stay overnight!
Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park was established in 1889 and is right next to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It's a beautiful, historic park with lots of green space.
Fontenelle Park
Founded in 1893, Fontenelle Park is a large park with a lagoon, playgrounds, and paths. It also has basketball courts, tennis courts, football fields, and even a nine-hole golf course.
Hummel Park
Hummel Park was created in 1930 and covers over 200 acres (81 hectares). It's known for its beautiful views and natural areas. It also has a historical monument for Fort Lisa.
Levi Carter Park
Levi Carter Park was founded in 1891. Carter Lake offers chances for water skiing, fishing, and boating. The park has fields for baseball and football, basketball courts, paths, and picnic areas.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park was created in 1948. It serves as a special place to remember the people from Douglas County who have served in the armed forces. It's a peaceful park often used for large community events.
Miller Park
Founded in 1891, Miller Park has a lake, a beautiful artesian well fountain, and a golf course. You can also find trails, picnic areas, a pavilion, playgrounds, and fields for baseball and soccer.
Neale Woods
Neale Woods is a large nature preserve covering 600 acres (240 hectares). It has many prairie and forest hiking trails. It's also home to the Millard Observatory, where you can learn about astronomy. It's operated by Fontenelle Forest.
Standing Bear Lake
Standing Bear Lake was created in 1977. It's a popular spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature. The park around the lake has trails for walking and biking.
Images for kids
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The Grand Court of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition of 1898 in what became Kountze Park
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Heartland of America Park, looking south
