Omaha Exploration

We have yet another park project in the works! This one is at Levi Carter Park near the airport.

The area that is now the park was once located on the west bank of the Missouri River until 1877. That year an ice jam formed at Saratoga Bend and led to a major flood that shifted the course of the river about a mile southeast. When the water retreated, it left a crescent shaped body of water. The land inside this body of water would become Carter Lake while the land on the outside surrounding the lake would become Levi Carter Park. You can read my post on East Omaha for more information on this subject.

The 520-acre park has long been underutilized though its historic Municipal Beach bathhouse still stands and currently serves as the park’s pavilion. According to North Omaha History it was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) using thousands of cobblestones. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been rehabilitated by the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department.

As for the park itself, the city recently announced that it will build a 10,000 sq ft activity and sports complex within the park. The complex will include a gym, multiple volleyball and basketball courts, wrestling room, computer lab and health screening space. Outside there will be four soccer fields, concessions and parking. Funding for the project is from two grants totaling $35M.

The goal of the project is to preserve the park-like experience, enhance safety and visibility, boost recreation and technology and establish a premier activity center to promote Omaha as a regional destination for youth sports.

Those involved in the project are hopeful that the complex will attract new residential housing, a grocery store, daycare and restaurants to the area that has long been neglected by the city.

I’d love to hear what you have to say so please feel free to comment. Until next time, keep exploring!

I’d love to hear what you have to say so please feel free to comment. Until next time, keep exploring!

More pictures

Omaha Exploration is sponsored by

Click here to contact me if you’re interested in sponsoring OE.