Omaha Exploration

Those that have followed my posts for a while know that I am a big advocate of local parks. I’ve explored many of them and even highlighted some of the ongoing park projects including Adelante in south Omaha, Old Market Gardens downtown and Levi Carter in east Omaha among others. Another one of these projects is for Tranquility Park. Let’s start by taking a brief look at its history.

The idea for a new park in northwest Omaha at 120th and Maple Streets came about in 1967. At the time, it was all cornfields. The city started condemnation proceedings on the property that same year. It was named Tranquility Park in honor of the first moon landing that took place in 1969. The original proposal called for a lunar observation post with telescopes and a lake though it seems they were later dropped, perhaps due to the higher-than-expected costs to obtain the land through eminent domain. Apollo 13 astronaut John Swigert Jr. was present for the dedication of the park on June 21, 1970.

Today the park is popular for its soccer and baseball/softball fields as well as its tennis courts, ice skating complex and its bike trails. The plan calls for improvements to not only the fields but guest amenities, parking and concessions. Of particular concern are the trails. To that end, the Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) organization is working with the city. The project is expected to start in 2025 and be completed by 2027.

Other plans call for the construction of an indoor/outdoor pickleball court facility and restaurant called Chicken N Pickle, a dedicated curling rink as well as additional restaurants, hotels and retail businesses.

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

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