A series of unique features will define Omaha Landing, making it a destination point for residents throughout the metro area. A Family-Friendly Landing When walkers, joggers and bikers enter Omaha via the Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge in the future, they’ll be greeted by a family-friendly environment. City officials recently unveiled plans for the development of Omaha Landing. The project, estimated at $2.2 to $2.5 million, will include an interactive play area featuring sculptures of wildlife native to the river, a water spray area for children and a large, sloping field that’s the perfect spot for sitting, talking and river gazing. The bridge, which will link Omaha and Council Bluffs, will be one of the longest pedestrian spans ever designed and constructed. It is set for completion in late 2008. Larry Foster, administrator of the City of Omaha’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Public Property, said Omaha Landing is an enhancement of the original plans proposed by the bridge architect, which called for a flag pole, green space and landscaping. “This park will truly be a destination space for residents throughout the metro area because of its unique features,” he noted. The city will work with Back to the River Inc. to raise the necessary funds. The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors recently voted to contribute $200,000 to the project. “The enhanced landing will encourage active use of the area, which is the hallmark of quality public space,” said Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design. “We’re pleased to see that the ideas generated from our Place Game workshop held several years ago along the riverfront were reflected in the design of the landing.” The pallid sturgeon, an endangered species that makes its home along the Missouri River bottom, may become part of Omaha Landing’s sculpture park. Omaha Landing will be located mostly inside the sloped circular walkway that’s part of the bridge, Foster said. The wildlife sculptures, tentatively named “River Critters,” will help educate children about the local environment. Among the “critters” up for consideration are the pallid sturgeon and the least tern, both endangered species. The sculpture area also will include other play equipment. Foster said walkways that connect to the existing Omaha river trail system will lead visitors through a plaza to an entrance stairway. That stairway will take users to the top of the sloped green space inside the ramp curve. Omaha Landing will be accessible by bus, as a stop will be located near the ramp. Visitors will be able park at the National Park Service building after hours on weekdays and any time during the weekend, Foster noted. A tavern-style restaurant is also planned near the bridge landing as part of the Riverfront Place development. For more information about Back to the River Inc., visit http://www.backtotheriver.org. Main Page