Metcalfe Park facts for kids

Metcalfe Park is a cool, small park in Omaha, Nebraska. It's named after the Metcalfe neighborhood around it. You can find it at 1700 Country Club Avenue. If you walk one lap around the park's sidewalk, it's about 1/3 of a mile, which is almost half a kilometer! The park is about 4 acres big. It's surrounded by Decatur Street to the north, Happy Hollow Avenue to the south, 51st Street to the west, and Country Club Avenue to the east.

Park History and Community Spirit

This plaque honors Helen and Hollis Baright, who helped create the playground.

The unique Pencil Tree has inspired many visitors to the park.

In 1938, this park and its 4-acre area got its name, Metcalfe Park. It was named after Richard Lee Metcalfe, who used to be the mayor of Omaha. Originally, this land was planned for houses, but it became a park instead!

New Playground and Park Upgrades

Starting in 2010, people living nearby, including kids from the neighborhood, teamed up with local businesses. They also worked with the Hollis and Helen Baright Foundation. Together, they raised money to make the park even better!

They wanted to replace the old playground with new equipment. They also added a special rain garden, picnic tables, and benches. All this hard work was finished in 2012. The Barights, who helped a lot, lived right across the street from the park for many years.

Fun Additions and Community Support

In the summer of 2014, a Little Free Library was added to the park. This is a small box where you can take a book or leave a book for others to enjoy. It's a great way to share stories!

Metcalfe Park has many cool features for its size.

In 2018, something helpful for bike riders was installed. It's a Dero FixIt bike repair stand with tools and a tire pump. Now, if your bike needs a quick fix, you can do it right there!

These special Biggo swings were given by two children, Jack and Claire, for everyone to enjoy.

During a time in 2020 when many public places were closed, Metcalfe Park's playground also closed. At that time, the Little Free Library became a "little free pantry." People left food items there for those who needed a little extra help. It showed how the community cared for each other.

Park Features and Fun Activities

Metcalfe Park has lots of cool things to do! The main play area is called the Hollis and Helen Baright Playground.

Play Areas and Green Space

There's a big, grassy slope that's perfect for games. Kids, adults, and even dogs love to play soccer, lacrosse, or just throw a ball around. A special tree, known as "the pencil tree," often becomes home base for games.

Other Cool Park Amenities

Besides the playground, you'll find the Little Free Library for sharing books. There's also the bike repair stand with tools and a tire pump, which is super handy. The park has three stations with bags for pet waste, helping keep the park clean. You can also explore a pretty rain garden and a sundial.

For fans of the game Pokemon Go, Metcalfe Park has multiple "Poke Stops" located around its edges.