Omaha, Nebraska – Omaha, known for its rich history and culture, will soon witness the resurrection of a long-neglected North Omaha park, Myott Park, all thanks to a generous federal grant and the dedicated efforts of Omaha Habitat for Humanity. With a strategic location near 52nd Street and Sorensen Parkway, the park will soon offer locals a fresh space for recreation, community engagement, and activities.
A New Vision for Myott Park
The park’s revamp, funded by a $1.1 million federal grant announced recently, will complement a rising $25 million affordable housing development situated nearby. The plans for Myott Park are expansive and ambitious, featuring a new amphitheater, picnic pavilions, courts for sports like pickleball and basketball, and scenic walking and cycling trails.
One of the significant aspects of the park’s redesign is its barrier-free blueprint. This aims to serve the families already residing in the region, along with the forthcoming residents of the 85-home Bluestem Prairie subdivision. This new construction project is helmed by the Omaha Habitat for Humanity.
But what makes this revival significant is the park’s history. The area where Bluestem Prairie stands was once the site of the Wintergreen Apartments. Before acquiring the Wintergreen tag, the nearly 300 housing units, which first greeted residents in 1975, were known as Myott Park apartments. These apartments were initially envisioned to provide housing for families from diverse economic and racial backgrounds. With the park’s anticipated reopening in the fall of 2024, the property will once again embrace its original name, Myott Park, paying homage to its rich history.
Amanda Brewer, Omaha Habitat for Humanity’s executive director, nostalgically reflected on the significance of retaining the park’s name. “People lived here, they made memories here,” she expressed. For her, North Omaha stands out as a “cultural oasis full of historic places and vibrant people,” and preserving its legacy is of paramount importance.
Groundbreaking Event Marks New Beginnings
The groundbreaking ceremony saw the attendance of notable figures, including a representative from U.S. Rep. Don Bacon’s office, Omaha Parks Director Matthew Kalcevich, and Stephanie Wernig, a retired member of Creighton University and a private donor to the Habitat Omaha. Wernig’s contribution plays a role in the park project’s total $1.5 million cost.
Habitat for Humanity will spearhead the park’s rejuvenation. Post its revival, the City of Omaha will assume responsibility for its ongoing maintenance and care. This initiative is vital, considering the park’s last known playground enhancements date back to 1992.
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon voiced his support, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing. He lauded Habitat for Humanity’s role, acknowledging its impact in offering “hope, dignity, and stability.” He also expressed optimism about the housing project’s transformative potential for future homeowners.
It’s worth noting that Habitat obtained the former Wintergreen property for a mere $1 from the City of Omaha. While donors and the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund are anticipated to cover most of the housing costs, city officials have greenlit tax-increment financing amounting to $3.4 million.
Amanda Brewer perfectly encapsulates the sentiment, saying, “Just like having a safe, affordable place to live, nature and green space provide positive outcomes for our physical and mental health and well-being.” For Brewer, the rejuvenated Myott Park will serve as a symbol of “humanity,” fostering connectivity among different neighborhoods and the broader community.
