Heartland of America Park
Heartland of America Park as viewed from Farnam Pier
Map
TypePublic
Location800 Douglas St., Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Coordinates41°15′24″N 95°55′30″W / 41.256721812613826°N 95.92505903921972°W / 41.256721812613826; -95.92505903921972
Opened
  • September 1990
  • August 18, 2023
Closed2019

Heartland of America Park is a public park located at 800 Douglas Street in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The 31-acre (130,000 m2) park is situated between Interstate 80 and the Missouri River, and is adjacent to Gene Leahy Mall and the Old Market and connects to Lewis & Clark Landing.[1] The park was announced in 1987 as a part of Conagra's corporate campus. The park officially opened in September 1990. After closing in 2019 due to extensive renovations, the park reopened to the public on August 18, 2023.

History

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In August 1987, Conagra, Inc. controversially announced that it would move its headquarters to the site of the Jobbers Canyon Historic District. With the headquarters buildings, Conagra also announced a public park as an extension to the Central Park Mall.[2] In January 1988, plans were revised, adding a lake to the park.[3] The project was originally known as Central Park East and construction began in 1989.[4]

In September 1989, it was reported that due to heavy rain and lead contamination, filling of the lake was delayed.[5] In January 1990, a pedestrian bridge was added, connecting Central Park East to Central Park Mall.[6] In May 1990, a fountain was added. Additionally, the park was renamed to Heartland of America Park.[7] The park officially opened in September 1990.[8]

In 2015, Conagra announced it would move its world headquarters to Chicago, Illinois. Three years later, Conagra announced that it would begin to redevelop parts of the campus and the park, including adding apartments.[9] One project, Brickline at the Mercantile, opened in 2023.[10]

In 2018, a $300 million downtown revitalization program was announced for Gene Leahy Mall, Lewis and Clark Landing, and Heartland of America Park. The park closed later that year for renovations.[11] Renovations added the Farnam Pier, a pier that allowed for viewing over the Missouri River.[12] Additionally, a skating rink.[13] Heartland of America Park re-opened on August 18, 2023.[14]

Design

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Heartland of America Park is 31-acre (130,000 m2) large and directly borders the Missouri River. [15] The park includes Conagra Lake, Farnam Pier, and an all-season skating ring. Farnam Pier extends 200 feet into the Missouri River. Conagra Lake includes two fountains, a 250 foot (76 m) fountain and the Florence Fountain.[16] The Florence Fountain was built in 1889 and was put in Heartland of America Park in 1990.[17]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Roberts-Gudeman, K. and Proskocil, N. (2004) "A walk on the riverfront", Omaha World Herald. June 27, 2004. Retrieved 2/18/08.
  2. ^ "Omaha May Aid ConAgra by Condemning Property". Omaha World-Herald. August 23, 1987. p. 4. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  3. ^ "ConAgra Future On Riverfront". Omaha World-Herald. January 5, 1988. p. 11. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  4. ^ "Downtown Omaha could get lift from ConAgra decision". The Lincoln Star. January 11, 1988. p. 7. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  5. ^ "Filling of riverfront park's lake delayed". The Lincoln Star. September 13, 1989. p. 25. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  6. ^ "Pedestrian Bridge to Link Mall With Central Park East". Omaha World-Herald. January 27, 1990. p. 20. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  7. ^ "Fountain To GIve Park New Name". Omaha World-Herald. May 20, 1990. p. 38. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  8. ^ "Omaha park opens with multi-colored, high-rise fountain". Lincoln Journal Star. September 18, 1990. p. 6. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  9. ^ "Is Conagra redevelopment Omaha's next hot spot?". KMTV 3 News Now Omaha. February 2, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  10. ^ Gonzalez, Cindy (August 23, 2022). "Former chunk of downtown Omaha Conagra campus soon to open as Brickline at the Mercantile • Nebraska Examiner". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  11. ^ "Omaha Invests $300M to Transform Riverfront : CEG". www.constructionequipmentguide.com. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  12. ^ "Riverfront transformation: Crews install Farnam Pier at Heartland of America Park". KETV. June 27, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  13. ^ writer, Aaron Sanderford World-Herald staff (October 10, 2019). "Downtown's forgotten park to get skating rink, botanical garden, winter market and more". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  14. ^ reports, First Alert 6 staff (August 18, 2023). "Opening of Heartland of America Park completes revitalized Omaha RiverFront". WOWT. Retrieved July 13, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ "Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront". OJB Landscape Architecture. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  16. ^ "History of Florence Fountain". Omaha Exploration. September 12, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  17. ^ "History of Florence Fountain". Omaha Exploration. September 12, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
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41°15′25″N 95°55′32″W / 41.25694°N 95.92556°W / 41.25694; -95.92556

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