Neighbors take initiative to improve Omaha parks

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Some neighbors are taking things into their own hands when it comes to improving parks across Omaha.

Last summer, Habitat for Humanity was instrumental in revitalizing Mynott Park in a blighted area of North Omaha. Communities are becoming more and more involved when it comes to improving places for kids to play.

On her day off work, Laura Larson decided to take a walk at Lake Zorinsky Park. Her travels took her past the latest addition, a new inclusive play area.

“We’ve been watching them build it for a couple of years now,” Larson said. “Oh, it’s amazing. There’s so many great things for the kids to use here. The colors are so fun. It looks really safe and clean. It’s awesome.”

Community partnerships create inclusive spaces

This playground near 156th and F Street is the result of a partnership between the city and two area moms.

The moms felt children with disabilities needed a place to “feel like a kid,” so they created a nonprofit called Imagine Inclusion Inc. They raised $1 million in donations. Without their grassroots efforts, this park may not have been built.

“Her son has a physical disability and we got sick of the community not having a place within 30 minutes drive where everyone could play together,” said Meaghan Walls.

Across town, another playground park project is underway at Kountze Park near Florence Boulevard and Pinkney Street.

The $1.1 million renovation includes removing and replacing the existing playground and sprayground. New walkways along with small shade structures, picnic tables and benches are also in the plans.

And it won’t cost taxpayers a single cent. A representative with Omaha Parks said the entire tab was picked up by donations to the neighborhood.

These efforts are proof that neighbors across town are looking to invest in their communities.

“The neighborhood associations can certainly offer support and help visibility and drive the need because these types of spaces impact cross generational, cross cultural, cross lived experience and so the more places that advertise that the better,” Walls said.

And after the construction crews are gone and the dirt settles, more new playgrounds are expected where neighbors come together to improve their communities.

“It’s amazing that our community came together to build this for kids,” Larson said. “We have great safe parks all around the city for kids and families to use.”

Seven other parks across the city are scheduled for improvements this year. Four other parks have already been improved, including Mynott and Zorinsky Lake parks.

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