The RiverFront in downtown Omaha is fun for everyone, with approximately 72 acres where children of all ages can play or relax. Known as Central Park Mall in the 1970s but since named after a former mayor of Omaha, Gene Leahy Mall is one of three parks of The RiverFront. The other two parks are close to the completion of being renovated before autumn of 2023.
The RiverFront in Downtown Omaha is Fun For Everyone
“The transformation of Gene Leahy Mall began in 2019, redesigning the entire area and raising the park up to street level, which added over 40,000 square feet of lawn space in the heart of Omaha’s urban core”, according to the official Internet web site of The RiverFront. “Along with the preservation of park artifacts, The RiverFront renovations also added a number of new features including a performance pavilion for live music, a sculpture garden filled with interesting works of art, a state-of-the-art playground and a modern dog park.”
Although many ways to enter the park are available, the historic Solo Building archway at Farnam Street connotes the grand entrance.
The Eleventh Street Promenade is the main pedestrian “thoroughfare” across the park from north to south. Toilets and water fountains are available near the aforementioned archway, which was once the façade of the old Solo Building.
Swings are plentiful on the east side of the Eleventh Street Promenade near the archway. Each swing can hold two people and can go in either direction.
To the east of the swings are the Downtown Slides, which are quite popular — as is the hill with the green. The two largest slides were holdovers from the old Central Park Mall, as the public was quite vocal about not having these slides removed during the renovation. Along with two newer slides that are not as steep or as large, generations to come can continue to enjoy sliding down these slides to their hearts’ content.
This area is near the tops of the slides, with artificial turf and a nice view of The Riverfront to the east — including a water feature which is known as The Pond. The Cascade Fountain is on the left in the above photograph; but it was not in operation at the time.
Look carefully at this view of The Pond and you will notice that the area is patrolled for the security and safety of everyone who wants to enjoy The RiverFront.
At the opposite end of Gene Leahy Mall is a sculpture garden on Douglas Street just east of South Thirteenth Street — where the tall buildings in the distance are located — and it contains six additional sculptures.
Under the overpass of South Tenth Street are electronic illuminated panels, which are colorful, animated, and rather difficult to photograph due to the reflections…
…but a slightly better view of the illuminated panels of the east side of the overpass was photographed, with more illuminated panels on the west side of the overpass. The images are constantly changing.
The small enclosed area of water to the south of The Pond is known as the Boat Cove. Beyond that is the Cove Amphitheater, where the steps are located.
The Eight Street Green and the dog park is behind the sculpture with the yellow mask.
Anyone can listen to live music at the Performance Pavilion whenever a free concert is in session.
West of the Performance Pavilion is the Downtown Green, where people can sit during performances and events — such as colorful fireworks displays at night time.
Arches Playground is comprised of three reddish-orange metal arches for children to climb; and a lower level where children can practice “rock” climbing.
Technically, adults are not permitted in Arches Playground unless they are accompanied by at least one child.
Arches Playground is located just west of the historic archway at Farnam Street.
A few hammocks that are comprised of netting are available for anyone who wants to relax — and even swing or rock a little bit.
Several areas are are set aside — each with four wooden Adirondack chairs of sorts which surround a fire pit. To operate the fire pits, first locate the controls located on a brown pedestal near the fire pit. On the side of this bar, pull out the red circular button. Once this has been pulled out, turn the timer dial located under the top flap of the pedestal. Set the timer by turning the dial past ten minutes, and within a few seconds, the fire pit should turn on.
Final Boarding Call
I noticed that The RiverFront is truly a “melting pot”, as I saw people of all ages, races, religions, and genders enjoy the area in harmony. Everyone just looked…happy.
If you enjoy watching people while simultaneously spending some time relaxing — whether going for a leisurely stroll or simply sitting — Gene Leahy Mall is as close to the perfect place to go as possible.
Because both Heartland of America Park — which includes a tranquil lake — and Lewis and Clark Landing were both under construction while I was in Omaha on business earlier this year, I was unable to visit them and take photographs of them. They both should be open to the public prior to autumn of 2023.
The RiverFront
900 Farnam Street, Suite 100
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
The RiverFront is open to the public between 5:00 in the morning through 11:00 in the evening. No admission is charged. You will likely need to pay for parking via a parking meter or at a parking garage during usual business hours — although free parking is available at certain hours. Public transportation via bus is also available to get to or from The RiverFront. Toilets are also available. Plenty of seating is located along the pathways.
In addition to The RiverFront, consider several other interesting things which you can do in the greater Omaha metropolitan area.
All photographs ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
