Gifford Park/Orchard Park

The Gifford Park neighborhood runs from 30th to 37th (east/west) and Cuming to Dodge (north/south), with Orchard Park to the west. Nearby landmarks and institutions include St. Cecilia's Cathedral (40th/Webster); Mutual of Omaha (35th/Dodge); St. Joe's Hospital (30th & Webster Plz); Omaha Public Schools administration building (30th/Cuming); Duchesne Academy (38 & California); and California Tacos (33rd/California). The latter is one of several businesses in a commercial area along 33rd between California and Cass that has "active" corners and includes an apartment complex, restaurant, dinner theater, homeowners' association, bar, and church. Gifford Park is located in the heart of the neighborhood, extending south and west from the 33rd/Cass intersection.

Site A: 33rd/California
Strengths: Mix of businesses - Good access - Architectural potential - Colorful/diverse atmosphere

Weaknesses: Abandoned building(s) - Run-down housing - Disinterested landlords - No green spaces on streets - Lack of ministries

Site B: 33rd/Cass & north end of Gifford Park

Strengths: Clean park - Good walking path - Gas station/convenience store

Weaknesses: no seating - no signage - bus stops not usable - lack of people/children -
misplaced trash receptacles

Site C: southwest end of Gifford Park at 35th/Davenport

Strengths: front porches are inviting - family-friendly - size & slopes of the park -
location

Weaknesses: lack of signage - no crosswalk/sign - lacking trash cans - need for speed control on roads (speed bumps)

Site D: retail corner at 40th/Hamilton

Strengths: development potential - historical support/value - complementary buildings - good location

Weaknesses: Intersection danger - Crosswalk/signage - Landscape

Site E: City Sprouts community garden & vacant lot at 40th/Franklin

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Strengths: solitude - green space - inspirational - fosters community

Weaknesses: traffic - lighting - no seating - no connections to service areas - no close transit

Overall short-term improvements for Gifford Park/Orchard Park

Uses & Activities:

• swings for adults
• community art
• adult games

Comfort & Image:

• flower baskets/boxes/planters
• benches/outdoor seating
• banners
• improve lighting
• storefront improvements
  
• awnings
  
• weed control
  
• more trashcans
  
• litter campaign

Access & Linkages:

• striping on 40th and Hamilton
  
• safety for pedestrians crossing the street at 40th/Hamilton
  
• signage

Overall long-term improvements for Gifford Park/Orchard Park

Uses & Activities:

• health and wellness trail in park
  
• foster collaboration
  
• implement walk-to-work program
  
• nature trail for 40th/Franklin

Comfort & Image:

• back-to-bricks on street (not asphalt)
  
• historic plaques/preservation of buildings
  
• banners from light poles
  
• commercial identity
  
• ask MUD to landscape their reservoir

Access & Linkages

• more and better bus stops
  
• measures to slow traffic - possible use of a roundabout
  
• bike safety
  
• need for parking

Local Partnerships

• churches and St. Cecilia's Cathedral
  
• City of Omaha Parks & Planning Departments
  
• Creighton University
  
• Douglas County Historical Society
  
• Duchesne Academy
  
• Indian Creek Nursery
  
• local businesses
  
• MAT
  
• MUD
  
• Mutual of Omaha
  
• Nebraska Arts Council
  
• neighborhood association
  
• OPPD
  
• Omaha Public Schools
  
• Police Department
  
• Qwest
  
• St. Joseph's Hospital
  
• University of Nebraska - Omaha