OMAHA, Neb. – Children smiled and laughed as they played basketball and pickleball on freshly painted courts and climbed on newly installed playground equipment in the revitalized Myott Park.
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and the City of Omaha hosted a ribbon cutting to mark the occasion on Monday, June 3, in the Bluestem Prairie neighborhood near 51st Street and Sorensen Parkway.
“This started truly as a dream,” said Javier Fernandez, president/CEO of Omaha Public Power District and chairman of the Habitat Omaha Board of Directors. “Someone driving around with a vision thinking, ‘What could we do with this amazing space that was not being used to its full potential.”
Once an overlooked space cut off by the abandoned Wintergreen Apartment complex, Myott Park is now a thriving community greenspace. Nationally renown artist Frankie Zombie, in collaboration with Habitat Omaha, created a large-scale mural with help from young Omaha student artists. The mural, painted on the park’s sports courts, is the centerpiece of the transformation.
Zombie, connected with the project after learning about it through Habitat Omaha’s Digital and Social Media Manager Tessa Randolph.
“I just want the children, now and in the future, who come to hang out in this park to know that you are important, you are the future. Without you, we would not be here,” he said. “I wish I had things like this growing up in my neighborhood. It’s just a beautiful thing. I’m hoping this park will bring joy, a moment where children can come for fellowship, exercise, and maybe even have Bible studies here.”
The park’s revitalization, overseen by Habitat Omaha, was made possible by a $1.1 million federal community grant secured by Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and a generous contribution from a private donor.
The five-acre park now features a barrier-free design, new playground equipment, picnic pavilions, an amphitheater, basketball, pickleball and multi-sport courts, as well as walking and biking trails – creating a dynamic hub for families and the wider community.
Others attending the ribbon cutting included Rep. Don Bacon, Omaha Parks and Recreation Director Matt Kalcevich, Habitat Omaha staff, Habitat homeowners and families, and students from the Joslyn Museum’s Kent Bellows Fellowship Program.
About Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha builds and renovates homes, repairs existing houses, and takes down blighted structures in a five-county area, including Burt, Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. Habitat Omaha also works with individuals and families to acquire the access, skills and financial education to become successful homeowners and, along with Habitat affiliates across the state, advocates for better laws and systems. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitatomaha.org.
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