Omaha’s public parks are set to receive significant investment from both the city and philanthropic organizations, with plans to transform the city’s green spaces and recreational facilities.
In his first State of the City address, Omaha Mayor John Ewing highlighted the public-private partnership that will contribute millions of dollars to improve park conditions and operations.
Philanthropic Support for Park Improvement
The initiative will see undisclosed philanthropic partners contribute $5 million, with the city aiming to match this amount. This funding will address a gap identified by a consultant hired by the city, who assessed the condition and maintenance needs of Omaha’s more than 250 parks.
The consultant found that the parks department is facing a $5 million annual shortfall in funding required for basic operations and maintenance.
Mayor Ewing emphasized that the philanthropic support will not result in sacrificing public land or access. “Just as with Gene Leahy Mall or Lake Cunningham, city properties remain city properties. What is public stays public,” Ewing said, assuring the community that public use of park facilities will remain unchanged.
Addressing Park Conditions and Staffing Needs
Omaha’s parks total about 10,000 acres of green space, including 130 miles of trails and numerous recreational centers, sports fields, and courts. However, the consultant’s report highlighted issues such as insufficient staffing, deteriorating athletic fields, and uneven recreation services across the city’s parks.
The investment aims to resolve these issues and create a more equitable and well-maintained park system for residents.
New Director of Transformation and Strategic Partnerships
During the address, Mayor Ewing also announced the promotion of Jacquelyn Morrison to the position of Director of Transformation and Strategic Partnerships.
Morrison, who previously served as the economic development director, will oversee the new role, which will be funded entirely by philanthropic donors for the next three years. If approved by the City Council, she will report directly to the mayor and focus on advancing strategic partnerships and transformation projects across the city.
Other Key Priorities in the Address
In addition to the parks initiative, Mayor Ewing discussed several other key priorities of his administration, including:
- Affordable Housing & Homelessness: Ewing addressed the city’s efforts to tackle homelessness and improve affordable housing options in Omaha.
- Economic Development: The mayor highlighted ongoing work to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities for residents.
Public Safety Updates
Ewing also reported progress on public safety initiatives, particularly the staffing of Omaha’s police force. The city is actively narrowing the staffing gap in the police department, which was a major campaign promise.
The mayor pointed to recent labor agreements with the Omaha Police Officers Association and Police Management, which ensure stability and allow the city to focus on recruitment. With upcoming training classes, Ewing expects the police department to be fully staffed by early 2027.
Additionally, the city is working on developing a joint headquarters for Omaha’s police and fire departments, a project that will require a referendum to seek general obligation bonds for funding.
