Enhancing Accessibility and the Visitor Experience

As part of the RiverFront Revitalization project and connector to Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing, the Gene Leahy Mall is a vibrant oasis that has reinvigorated downtown Omaha. Previously below grade with few entry points from the adjacent streets, the park was raised to street level and repurposed to serve as a hub for entertainment, activities and gatherings, where members of the Omaha community can come together and collectively enjoy their city.

Reconnected With the City

The original sunken state of the mall made for an uncomfortable pedestrian experience; dead ends and captive corners prevented people from moving throughout the park freely and safely, and only one pedestrian crossing in the 6-block-long mall often forced visitors to resort to using bridges designed primarily for vehicles. To make foot traffic to, from and within the space possible and safe, the park was elevated to match downtown’s existing street level to establish an unobstructed pedestrian experience. The Gene Leahy Mall also features a plethora of activities and attractions that could spark the interest of any visitor:

• A sculpture garden, children’s play area, interactive water features, promenades, dedicated food truck areas, a dog park and spaces for private gatherings.
• A “play spine” with raised portions reveals a rope forest, slides, climbing caves and tunnels; play arches create climbable bridges between areas.
• State-of-the-art digital audio and lighting systems provide choreographed light displays and high-quality sound that can be seen and heard throughout Gene Leahy Mall during designated times.
• An art plaza and sculpture garden spanning three city blocks offer quiet spaces for visitors to gather.
• Picturesque views of the Omaha skyline and close proximity to the downtown area invite visitors to forge a strong connection to the city.

Creating an Active Hub for Downtown Omaha

The elevated and revitalized park brings vibrancy to the downtown Omaha area, allowing the community to engage freely with the city, the connected parks, the outdoors and one another. “It provides a lot of green space, a lot of space for families,” said Ben Gray, former Omaha City Council member. “Raising the mall to street level is good in a lot of ways, starting with safety.” 

With the implementation of paths and footbridges, the pedestrian-friendly Gene Leahy Mall invites and entices visitors from Omaha and beyond.