Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

[Renovator2559]

I go to the park quite often, especially with the ever changing calendar of events on a weekly basis.. GLM is not unlike those generic parks that are just green space and not much else. GLM is effectively a proper third place in which every few feet are utilised. I can only imagine how the Riverfront will be on steroids with the opening of the two new parks including with the renovated and expanded Rivers Edge on council bluffs, thanks to the cooperation of Omaha and council bluffs in raising funds.

[JDJase]

Down here again tonight. It seems like every time I come it's busy. This has been a really good get for Omaha.

I was there last night too and was thinking the exact same thing. Really happy to see so many people enjoying the park on a Tuesday night even after the "newness" wares off.

[Renovator2559]

Down here again tonight. It seems like every time I come it's busy. This has been a really good get for Omaha.

I was there last night too and was thinking the exact same thing. Really happy to see so many people enjoying the park on a Tuesday night even after the "newness" wares off.

Newness won't wear off, the GLM activity has been consistent since it opened, even in Winter.
It's great to live in this side of Omaha and not live in the other side of Omaha with the sea of grey asphalt and anti-pedestrian infrastructure.

[JDJase]

Down here again tonight. It seems like every time I come it's busy. This has been a really good get for Omaha.

I was there last night too and was thinking the exact same thing. Really happy to see so many people enjoying the park on a Tuesday night even after the "newness" wares off.

Newness won't wear off, the GLM activity has been consistent since it opened, even in Winter.

"Newness" by definition wares off...something can't be new forever. Hence the point of my comment, the GLM has remained popular despite no longer being new.

[Renovator2559]

Down here again tonight. It seems like every time I come it's busy. This has been a really good get for Omaha.

I was there last night too and was thinking the exact same thing. Really happy to see so many people enjoying the park on a Tuesday night even after the "newness" wares off.

Newness won't wear off, the GLM activity has been consistent since it opened, even in Winter.

"Newness" by definition wares off...something can't be new forever. Hence the point of my comment, the GLM has remained popular despite no longer being new.

"Newness" may wear off in the opposite direction, as Tourists and visitors continue to hear about the success of the park, as well as the ammenities that surround it and see for themselves what the fuss is all about. GLM ties in downtown like it never did with the old GLM. Since we are building momentum on building walkable green spaces, not the wrong vision of yesteryear of building more ugly grey asphalt parking lots.

[Renovator2559]

Kansas City showing a bit of envy on how GLM is attracting people on this second attempt and KC acknowledging how "dull" their green spaces are.

Then KC highlighting "restless Omaha" with the destruction of the W Dale Clark as a flaw for destroying historic buildings, (though makes no mention of the new old market library) .

I don't know about you, but I was glad that brutalist architecture library was raised to the ground for the beautiful glass tower and for that charming old market library, that gives life to a historic area.

https://cityscenekc.com/omaha-postcard- ... -people-2/

[thenewguy]

I know we have collectively gushed over this park since it opened, but it's been open a while now and I feel like it needs a re-assessment (especially since there are thousands of visitors here from out of town and the park will really have an impact on their opinion of Omaha).

The park is better now than it was last year.

I took my kids to play on the 'big orange play ground in the big city' yesterday morning around 9:30, and it was already active (though we walked around the whole thing, not just the playground). The park is largely void of any trash (had people walking around picking up any bits that may have made it to the ground), there's no graffiti, and nothing seemed broken or rusty or misused. You wanna know how they spent $300M+? They didn't half as$ it, and it shows.

They did an amazing job with the plants & landscaping. The trees are looking great, the grasses along/in the lagoon are full and tall. Birds everywhere, including ducks & ducklings. There are some bird droppings, but it looks like they have done a great job mitigating areas that would have otherwise been huge collections of it and none of it takes away from the experience. Oh, and the screen under the bridge is fan-freaking-tastic.

We got to see the water come on in the splash area, and instinctively, everyone seemed to hear it and flocked over. And that brings me to my last point: the people. There were a lot of Florida and LSU fans there, but it still seemed like mostly Omaha folks. But I heard more than one person remark, "isn't this park just wonderful?" who were in town for the games. There were old people, young people, white, black, muslim, christian (there was the urban ministry having a service), LGBTQ+ (they had shirts on, it wasn't just some bigoted observation), etc, and it made me literally pause and smile. All these people who have different lives, different directions, all there doing their own thing and no one cared that the other person was there. You'd be hard pressed to find that much humanity in a single place anywhere else in the city, and that (to me) is the point of the whole thing: Bring people together to enjoy a beautiful morning, celebrating what they are about or just to enjoy the peace of the wind moving through the leaves. That makes this absolutely worth its weight in gold, and I cannot wait to see the rest of the parks open up later this year.

[skinzfan23]

Great review of the park newguy!

[Brad]

I agree, its been great every time I have been down there. Can't believe its been a year already!

[skinzfan23]

I went last night and it was literally about 10:30 when I got there, I was amazed at how many people were still there considering it was a Sunday night. Obviously the CWS is still going on, but there were still people with children playing on the equipment as well as people just hanging out.

I also didn't notice any trash or anything broken, which is almost unheard of for a park this size that gets this much use.

[Renovator2559]

I know we have collectively gushed over this park since it opened, but it's been open a while now and I feel like it needs a re-assessment (especially since there are thousands of visitors here from out of town and the park will really have an impact on their opinion of Omaha).

The park is better now than it was last year.

I took my kids to play on the 'big orange play ground in the big city' yesterday morning around 9:30, and it was already active (though we walked around the whole thing, not just the playground). The park is largely void of any trash (had people walking around picking up any bits that may have made it to the ground), there's no graffiti, and nothing seemed broken or rusty or misused. You wanna know how they spent $300M+? They didn't half as$ it, and it shows.

They did an amazing job with the plants & landscaping. The trees are looking great, the grasses along/in the lagoon are full and tall. Birds everywhere, including ducks & ducklings. There are some bird droppings, but it looks like they have done a great job mitigating areas that would have otherwise been huge collections of it and none of it takes away from the experience. Oh, and the screen under the bridge is fan-freaking-tastic.

We got to see the water come on in the splash area, and instinctively, everyone seemed to hear it and flocked over. And that brings me to my last point: the people. There were a lot of Florida and LSU fans there, but it still seemed like mostly Omaha fols. But I heard more than one person remark, "isn't this park just wonderful?" who were in town for the games. There were old people, young people, white, black, muslim, christian (there was the urban ministry having a service), LGBTQ+ (they had shirts on, it wasn't just some bigoted observation), etc, and it made me literally pause and smile. All these people who have different lives, different directions, all there doing their own thing and no one cared that the other person was there. You'd be hard pressed to find that much humanity in a single place anywhere else in the city, and that (to me) is the point of the whole thing: Bring people together to enjoy a beautiful morning, celebrating what they are about or just to enjoy the peace of the wind moving through the leaves. That makes this absolutely worth its weight in gold, and I cannot wait to see the rest of the parks open up later this year.

You are right with all points you made, I go to the Gene Leahy Mall often, at night and even in Winter and the park is like a snapshot of people's lives of all colors, creeds and all ages.
The riverfront website has a calendar of rotating events that happen on a weekly basis, you just don't know what event you will be in the middle off

On the same CWS Saturday, SteelHouse was having a concert, there was this concert going on at the same time and it was packed with people and vending booths selling merchandise, people were streaming throughout the park.

https://theriverfrontomaha.com/events/

[Greg S]

I went last night and it was literally about 10:30 when I got there, I was amazed at how many people were still there considering it was a Sunday night. Obviously the CWS is still going on, but there were still people with children playing on the equipment as well as people just hanging out.

I also didn't notice any trash or anything broken, which is almost unheard of for a park this size that gets this much use.

Yeah I have been happy with how well it's been kept up. Kudos I think to MECA. I think having them run this has been the key in that regard.

Greg

[jjjjhskr]

There’s an endowment to keep it cleaned and updated. Very well planned!

[thenewguy]

what a great example of what they originally conceptualized

[Renovator2559]

Yet another concert in the GLM, those that still have the belief that the former lagoon and the old GLM was better can't argue the fact that this new GLM knows how to bring the community together. Sure the old lagoon made picturesque cityscape pictures but never did it attract people.



I thought these ducks were decoys but sure enough, these duckies are alive and arranged themselves on the ledge by the riverwalk in GLM.

[Louie]

Spent the afternoon here on saturday and it was jam packed. No event going on (except farmers market leftovers) and there were easily several hundred people enjoying the park.

[thenewguy]

There was a concert sat night and it was jam packed. So good for the park, can't wait for the rest to open.

When is that, even?

[Renovator2559]

There was a concert sat night and it was jam packed. So good for the park, can't wait for the rest to open.

When is that, even?

The final opening date of the Heartland of America and Lewis Clark Landing is on August 18 of this year. With I'm sure, a grand opening ceremony.

Yesterday. I saw that the area below the i480 bridge, where they were using as a staging area, is being cleared to most likely be landscaped. Looks like most of the park pair is complete.

Here are the park renders that you most likely have seen, but just to give a glimpse to those that do not know how these 3 parks in downtown look like.

Can't wait to walk through these landscape marbles.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I visited (once again) the Gene Leahy Mall this afternoon for the better part of 2 hours. As usual, the place was vibrant and full of people- enjoying a warm summer day in one of the greatest Urban Parks in the United States. Got my 2.5 mile walk in as well. Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark landing (components II and III of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan) are coming along nicely. Can’t wait to see these parks open up next month..

Downtown Omaha is a fantastic place to be. If you have yet to partake in this fabulous reboot in downtown, do so asap.. You’re missing out …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Cermak]

I visited (once again) the Gene Leahy Mall this afternoon for the better part of 2 hours. As usual, the place was vibrant and full of people- enjoying a warm summer day in one of the greatest Urban Parks in the United States. Got my 2.5 mile walk in as well. Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark landing (components II and III of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan) are coming along nicely. Can’t wait to see these parks open up next month..

Downtown Omaha is a fantastic place to be. If you have yet to partake in this fabulous reboot in downtown, do so asap.. You’re missing out …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

The crowds it's pulling in is impressive. The Mall is still in its honeymoon phase. So I would suspect that has something to do with it. But it does offer alot more to do than the old GLM. So far it's been a huge success and a great addition to downtown Omaha.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I visited (once again) the Gene Leahy Mall this afternoon for the better part of 2 hours. As usual, the place was vibrant and full of people- enjoying a warm summer day in one of the greatest Urban Parks in the United States. Got my 2.5 mile walk in as well. Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark landing (components II and III of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan) are coming along nicely. Can’t wait to see these parks open up next month..

Downtown Omaha is a fantastic place to be. If you have yet to partake in this fabulous reboot in downtown, do so asap.. You’re missing out …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

The crowds it's pulling in is impressive. The Mall is still in its honeymoon phase. So I would suspect that has something to do with it. But it does offer alot more to do than the old GLM. So far it's been a huge success and a great addition to downtown Omaha.

I’m not sure I agree with the “honeymoon phase” comment. It would insinuate a person (or family) could visit once, enjoy all you could, then have no reason to return. You likely didn’t mean it that way though ..

Since the GLM component rebooted and reopened in July/2022, I’ve visited and revisited so many times over the past year, I couldn’t put a number on it. It’s honestly a place I can’t get enough of. If I could, I’d visit every day. It’s just so inviting, unique and enjoyable each time..and once phase II and III open next month, it’ll take something already great, and make it even better..

Last month, I entertained a fellow management employee (she lives in Grand Rapids MI) who we just started flying into the city every couple of months to spend a week working in Omaha. She has traveled a lot internationally. After dinner, I took her down to the GLM (she was extremely impressed)and we walked the entirety of the park. She mentioned to me, several times, that elements of the GLM reminded her of The Louvre in Paris. Her words, not mine..and later, when we had coffee at The Mill (31st Ave and Leavenworth), she showed me the pictures of her Paris trip last year..that the GLM reminded her of. I can’t make this stuff up, lol..

In any case-

This Riverfront Redevelopment is a crown jewel for Omaha and its downtown. It’ll serve our city well for generations to come…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Cermak]

I visited (once again) the Gene Leahy Mall this afternoon for the better part of 2 hours. As usual, the place was vibrant and full of people- enjoying a warm summer day in one of the greatest Urban Parks in the United States. Got my 2.5 mile walk in as well. Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark landing (components II and III of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan) are coming along nicely. Can’t wait to see these parks open up next month..

Downtown Omaha is a fantastic place to be. If you have yet to partake in this fabulous reboot in downtown, do so asap.. You’re missing out …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

The crowds it's pulling in is impressive. The Mall is still in its honeymoon phase. So I would suspect that has something to do with it. But it does offer alot more to do than the old GLM. So far it's been a huge success and a great addition to downtown Omaha.

I’m not sure I agree with the “honeymoon phase” comment. It would insinuate a person (or family) could visit once, enjoy all you could, then have no reason to return. You likely didn’t mean it that way though ..

Since the GLM component rebooted and reopened in July/2022, I’ve visited and revisited so many times over the past year, I couldn’t put a number on it. It’s honestly a place I can’t get enough of. If I could, I’d visit every day. It’s just so inviting, unique and enjoyable each time..and once phase II and III open next month, it’ll take something already great, and make it even better..

Last month, I entertained a fellow management employee (she lives in Grand Rapids MI) who we just started flying into the city every couple of months to spend a week working in Omaha. She has traveled a lot internationally. After dinner, I took her down to the GLM (she was extremely impressed)and we walked the entirety of the park. She mentioned to me, several times, that elements of the GLM reminded her of The Louvre in Paris. Her words, not mine..and later, when we had coffee at The Mill (31st Ave and Leavenworth), she showed me the pictures of her Paris trip last year..that the GLM reminded her of. I can’t make this stuff up, lol..

In any case-

This Riverfront Redevelopment is a crown jewel for Omaha and its downtown. It’ll serve our city well for generations to come…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

By Honeymoon phase I meant "being new". After a while (possibly a few years) the exciting newness of the park will be less. Kind of how the original GLM was or any new park or attraction, after a while the excitement fades somewhat. While it will still be exciting and new to some, it won't quite be at the same level as it is now or last summer. Still with that in mind, the GLM mall is a huge success and adds alot of vibrancy and beauty to downtown. Its true test will be long term success like 5 or 10 years from now.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Not sure I completely agree with your take here- I see where you’re coming from..

In any case-

We can both completely agree the GLM has been a huge success..and along with its phase II and III components opening up next month, will continue to be for generations to come…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Renovator2559]

By Honeymoon phase I meant "being new". After a while (possibly a few years) the exciting newness of the park will be less. Kind of how the original GLM was or any new park or attraction, after a while the excitement fades somewhat. While it will still be exciting and new to some, it won't quite be at the same level as it is now or last summer. Still with that in mind, the GLM mall is a huge success and adds alot of vibrancy and beauty to downtown. Its true test will be long term success like 5 or 10 years from now.

The Old GLM did not even have scheduled events and had little utility. The new GLM has plenty of recurring events scheduled on a weekly basis, afterall its also an entertainment venue. Plus the 2 other parks will make the whole riverfront a magnet of people.

[thenewguy]

one part of the park that I love and hope gets more use is the boat lagoon. I got a remote controlled boat specifically because of this and the kids and I went down last week and raced it around down there. It is a perfect size for that, and a lot of people stopped and watched us as we played. There were even a couple people that gladly helped to un-stuck our boat when we (too quickly) got in between the concrete walk way.

I agree with Cowboy, I never get tired of this place, and it sure ain't no one trick pony. It's big enough to even break up the different parts on different visits as it is right now, and it's free (which is great for families). This park is the reason I keep a football in my truck at all times, because there've been multiple times now when we are out and about and the kids wanna pop over and play. It's so easy to just pull in, grab the ball and toss it around, then play on the playground and the slides. It's gonna be even more next-level once the whole thing is open

[jjjjhskr]

I’m one of the founders of Leahy Mall Yacht Club . We bring out boats down at 11 am on Sunday’s. You should join us! We often get a pretty good crowd.

[thenewguy]

I’m one of the founders of Leahy Mall Yacht Club . We bring out boats down at 11 am on Sunday’s. You should join us! We often get a pretty good crowd.

sounds awesome, I'll have to maybe hit the early bird church service

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I was in town and visited the GLM Saturday evening, as well as the Old Market. I will echo that the amount of activity there was incredible. No event was going on that I was aware of, just a huge amount of people enjoying the day at the park. It was really encouraging.

Unrelated, but something else I noted was the high amount of bachelorette parties I've come across in downtown Omaha the past few times I've been in town. I can't recall running into so many bachelorette parties on a single night anywhere outside of Nashville.

[skip]

Imagine once the trees are more mature and full in around 15+ years. The park will look absolutely stunning. It will continue to get more and more beautiful as the years go on.

[Cermak]

I’m one of the founders of Leahy Mall Yacht Club . We bring out boats down at 11 am on Sunday’s. You should join us! We often get a pretty good crowd.

Sounds like a great time, thanks for informing everyone. I did not know about this. Will have to check it out.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Imagine once the trees are more mature and full in around 15+ years. The park will look absolutely stunning. It will continue to get more and more beautiful as the years go on.

Great point and I completely agree …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Garrett]

The renewed mall has been a satisfying bragging point in my urban planning classes, not gonna lie haha

[NEDodger]

The renewed mall has been a satisfying bragging point in my urban planning classes, not gonna lie haha

Good! As it should be. Even more so after August 18th.

[nebport5]

I visited (once again) the Gene Leahy Mall this afternoon for the better part of 2 hours. As usual, the place was vibrant and full of people- enjoying a warm summer day in one of the greatest Urban Parks in the United States. Got my 2.5 mile walk in as well. Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark landing (components II and III of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan) are coming along nicely. Can’t wait to see these parks open up next month..

Downtown Omaha is a fantastic place to be. If you have yet to partake in this fabulous reboot in downtown, do so asap.. You’re missing out …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I made it Sunday afternoon too for my first visit. It was more impressive in person than the renderings or what most pictures can fully delineate.

A few post visit thoughts:

1. I'm all for MAHA coming back downtown, yet I had a hard time visualizing how it will all fit in what seems to be a more cramped space. Perhaps when Heartland fully opens those logistics will become more apparent?

2. As to what will become of the lot east of Mutual I hope there's a public element that segues with the park. A pedestrian bridge over 13th would be nice particularly for those taking advantage of Mutual's parking on the weekends. Trying to find parking near Leahy was much more difficult than many Sunday afternoons I've spent downtown in years past. I imagine Mutual's garage will get substantial use on the weekends. As much as I'm rooting for Civic Square to successfully pull off grocery I'd love to see a two story grocery here with a rooftop deck to overlook the Mall. I can't fathom anything taller than the parking garage or a 375 footer here blocking out half of Mutual.

[Brad]

I was at the Gene Leahy Mall both Saturday and Sunday mornings to photographing the flowers and landscaping. The Park is looking fantastic. The trees and plants have really grown in a year!

The pollinators were all over the flowers this weekend, really cool to see!

Two minor gripes:
1. People spilled a lot of drinks on the sidewalks and other pavement, really stained it. Hopefully rain or a power washer will take care of that really easily
2. People are vandalizing the speakers all over the park. I saw so many that were damaged.

Other than those two gripes, the place looked great!

Photo from Saturday:

881A2781.jpg

[nativeomahan]

I was at the Gene Leahy Mall both Saturday and Sunday mornings to photographing the flowers and landscaping. The Park is looking fantastic. The trees and plants have really grown in a year!

The pollinators were all over the flowers this weekend, really cool to see!

Two minor gripes:
1. People spilled a lot of drinks on the sidewalks and other pavement, really stained it. Hopefully rain or a power washer will take care of that really easily
2. People are vandalizing the speakers all over the park. I saw so many that were damaged.

Mother Nature seems to take care of our green spaces much better than Homo sapiens. WhatTF is wrong with people? Who do they think pays to repair damaged public property, the tooth fairy?

[Louie]

Vandalize as in damaged the speakers? Or spray-painted? Either is a shame, just curious.

[BRoss]

Vandalize as in damaged the speakers? Or spray-painted? Either is a shame, just curious.

Damaged. I saw them a couple weeks ago and some were smashed in. I wonder if a metal cage could be put around them to protect them.

[Louie]

Vandalize as in damaged the speakers? Or spray-painted? Either is a shame, just curious.

Damaged. I saw them a couple weeks ago and some were smashed in. I wonder if a metal cage could be put around them to protect them.

Hopefully.

[Stan]

Vandalize as in damaged the speakers? Or spray-painted? Either is a shame, just curious.

Damaged. I saw them a couple weeks ago and some were smashed in. I wonder if a metal cage could be put around them to protect them.

I noticed this a few days ago walking around. Several with cracks in them where you know some kids took enjoyment in kicking them in. Makes my blood boil that we can't have a nice thing without idiots trying to damage it.