Memorial Park (Omaha) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Memorial Park |
|
|---|---|
Memorial Park in April 2011
|
|
| Type | City park |
| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Area | 67 acres (270,000 m2) |
| Created | 1948 |
| Operated by | Government of Omaha |
| Status | Open all year |
Memorial Park is a special park in Omaha, Nebraska. It is located at 6005 Underwood Avenue, close to the Dundee area. This park was created to honor all the brave men and women from Douglas County who have served in the military. It is a place for everyone to remember their service.
Contents
History of Memorial Park
How the Park Started
The idea for Memorial Park first came from a local person who wrote to the Omaha World-Herald newspaper. Soon after, a group of important business leaders and community members met. Among them were Robert H. Storz, who owned a brewery, and Henry Doorly, who is remembered for the Omaha Zoo. They all wanted to create a special memorial.
They chose a spot near Omaha University, where the Happy Hollow Club and Dundee Golf Course used to be. In 1948, the Memorial Park Association was formed. This group worked hard to raise money to build a monument in the park.
Park Dedication and Additions
On June 5, 1948, Harry S. Truman, who was the President of the United States at the time, officially dedicated the park. This meant he formally opened it as a special place.
Years later, more features were added to the park. In 1959, the Omaha Rose Society planted a beautiful rose garden. Then, in 1990, the Woodmen of the World organization added flagpoles and flags along the park's driveway.
A special bridge for people to walk across, called the Memorial Park Pedestrian Bridge, was finished in 1968. It goes over Dodge Street. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, young people used the park for peaceful protests against the Vietnam War. Today, Memorial Park is home to more than 1,000 rose bushes, making it a very colorful place.
Events at Memorial Park
Bank of the West Celebrates America Concert
Every year, on the last Friday in June, Bank of the West hosts a big concert in the park called "Bank of the West Celebrates America." This event is a way to celebrate the Independence Day (United States) holiday. The concert always ends with an amazing fireworks show. More than 50,000 people come to enjoy the music and fireworks each year.
Past Performers at the Concert
Many famous bands and singers have performed at this concert over the years. Here are some of them:
- 1987: The Lettermen
- 1988: Bobby Vinton
- 1993: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Drifters
- 1994: Bobby Vee, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
- 1995: Frankie Avalon, Sha Na Na
- 1996: The Temptations
- 1997: The Four Tops, America
- 1998: Neil Sedaka, The Shirelles
- 1999: Blood, Sweat & Tears; The Drifters
- 2000: The Righteous Brothers, The Supremes
- 2001: The Beach Boys, Gary Puckett
- 2002: Creedence Clearwater Revisited, The Spinners
- 2003: The Village People, The Pointers
- 2004: (rained out) The Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night
- 2005: Mulberry Lane, The Doobie Brothers, and Three Dog Night
- 2006: REO Speedwagon and The Fifth Dimension
- 2007: KC & the Sunshine Band, Little River Band
- 2008: (rained out) Kool & The Gang, .38 Special
- 2009: The Guess Who and Grand Funk Railroad
- 2010: Foreigner, Styx, and Kansas
- 2011: Cheap Trick, .38 Special, and Take Me to Vegas
- 2012: Huey Lewis and the News, Mockingbird Sun and Scarlett Drive
- 2013: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Loverboy
- 2014: Uncle Kracker, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Blues Traveler
- 2015: Joan Jett & Eddie Money
- 2016: Kenny Loggins
- 2017: Kool and the Gang
Other Notable Concerts
In 2004, the band 311 played a free concert at Memorial Park. This was part of Omaha's 150th Anniversary celebration. Over 40,000 people came to enjoy the music.
In 2010, the "Bank of the West Celebrates America" concert celebrated its 20th year. It brought the "United In Rock" tour with Foreigner, Styx, and Kansas to the park. Officials estimated that a record 80,000 people attended that year! For the 2011 concert, the stage was moved to the side of the park closer to Dodge Street.
Images for kids
-
Is this the World's Largest American Flag Blanket?
