April 13, 2011
Stinson Park is home to a summer concert series and much more.
If you build it – and then program it, they will come. Stinson Park, located at the corner of 67th and Center in Aksarben Village, is proof that this green space philosophy for mixed use development works. The park is the recipient of Omaha by Design’s 2011 Green Leaf award.
The Green Leaf, presented annually by Omaha by Design, recognizes an individual, organization or business that has worked to preserve and enhance the metropolitan area’s natural setting and public park system.
“Public open space that is green and available to the community for both formal and informal events is essential for the success of urban mixed use projects,” said Jay Noddle, president and CEO of Noddle Companies. Noddle will accept the Green Leaf award on behalf of Aksarben Village at the April 20 meeting of the Omaha by Design Advisory Committee.
Stinson Park, roughly four acres in size, is owned and maintained by the Aksarben Village Master Owners Association. It’s named in honor of Ken Stinson, chairman of the Aksarben Future Trust and the Kiewit Corporation, and his wife, Ann.
Construction of the park began in the fall of 2008 and was completed the following summer. In addition to the open space, it features a monument tower and fountain, an amphitheatre and performance stage, Aksarben memorabilia – including a memorial to Omaha, the record-setting race horse who won the Triple Crown in 1935, picnic tables and shelter. The HDR Prairie Garden, located in the northern portion of the park, is a series of four larger gardens and 23 smaller demonstration beds that showcase 28 species of native plants and grasses.
In an effort to better meet the needs and wants of the surrounding neighborhood, the park owners added playground equipment in 2010. Restroom facilities will be constructed later this year.
In terms of programming, Stinson Park is home to a summer concert series each Saturday night from May through August, a farmers market each Sunday morning from May through October and a holiday market the first weekend in December. The park is also available for rent by the general public for picnics, parties and corporate events. On June 4, Urban Omaha – The Ultimate Adventure Race, will start and finish in Stinson Park. Teams of three will bike, run, climb, paddle and navigate their way through Omaha while searching for check points.
The development’s web site, www.aksarbenvillage.com, maintains a calendar of events, which includes park programming. You can also keep tabs on upcoming activities in the park by “liking” Aksarben Village on Facebook.
For more information about Omaha by Design’s awards program, call 402.554.4010 or email info@omahabydesign.org.