I've enjoyed the gene Leahy Mall since its Inception and building. It's a nice little oasis in the heart of downtown Omaha which gives people the chance to experience a little quietness and natural beauty.
Some people find that it is scary or off-putting that the green space and Waterway is below the street level. They may feel uncomfortable that they cannot be seen easily by passing cars in case something goes wrong. This is a few more of perception than reality as there are very little if any crime that ever happens there over the last 30 years that I'm aware of.
Walking through the mall you can see ducks and geese. He seemed to be fixtures year around. There is a bridge that crosses the Waterway. To the West is the main branch of the downtown public library. To the east it connects with the heartland of America Park. This makes it appear as one very large Park. On both sides are city streets and there's even several businesses and an apartment complex towards the Eastern end.
For the children there is a large stainless steel slide. It's always filled with children families were just having a little bit of fun. There are modern sculptures that inhabit the Green Space. These can change from time to time recently, the city help celebrate the United States Olympic Swim trials which were being held in Omaha and they decorated the park with swimming themed sculptures in the water and around the area.
My only complaint with the park itself is that the the city does not do a very good job of replacing lights quickly. When they're broken they tend to stay broken for a long time. My other issue is that they do not have someone who routinely cleans up litter that flies into the water. I know this could be a full-time job, and it probably should be, but they don't get the trash out as quickly as one would imagine a major attraction like this should do. Hopefully the city will invest a little bit more time and money in this treasure as they recently did an overhaul of the lake area and...
Read moreThe Gene Leahy Mall at the Riverfront is a stunning example of urban renewal done right! This project's architects and landscape architects have created a lush, inviting space that beautifully integrates nature with modern amenities.
The park boasts an impressive range of amenities. The park has cozy firepits for cool evenings, hammocks for a relaxing afternoon, and plenty of sitting areas. The pavilions are perfect for community events or casual gatherings.
Families will love the fantastic playgrounds and thrilling slides, while the overlooks provide breathtaking city views. The bocce ball courts are an excellent addition for those who enjoy games. Dog owners will appreciate the well-maintained dog parks, and the serene ponds and water features add a touch of tranquility to the park.
The extensive green spaces are ideal for picnics, outdoor activities, or unwinding. The lush plantings and thoughtfully designed landscapes make every visit a refreshing escape from the urban hustle.
Gene Leahy Mall at the Riverfront is a must-visit for anyone in Omaha. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, making it a fantastic spot for all ages. It is highly...
Read moreSuper nice park, that you can't even walk through past 11PM. Even on a Friday night! Forget taking your friends there for something to do late at night when everything is closing. You will continuously be harassed by security guards that have nothing better to do but constantly tell you the park is closed when you just want to sit down and enjoy the scenery. The park literally splits downtown in two from East to West and there are so many "no-go" zones now that aren't marked with signs it's hard to tell where you can walk and where you can't. It's really sad for someone who grew up with the old Gene Leahy mall. Sure, this new upgrade looks great, but the new gestapo/ communist China feel to it I'm not digging at all. America used to be a free country, now you can't even walk around downtown at night like there's a curfew for adults. It's sad and it's very strange. If I was visiting omaha, it's something I would remember this city by for sure. Not normal. I can't be the only one who feels this way. If you are a daytime user you'll disagree, but go out on a date night & you'll find out what I'm talking...
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