Gates Presented with Laurels Award

Lively Omaha is pleased to present its Laurels Award to Gary Gates, President of Omaha Public Power District.

OPPD’s decision to scrap plans to place high-voltage power lines along the popular Keystone Trail earned the company its Laurels Award, given to recognize important contributions to great public spaces in the city.

“Gary Gates showed tremendous leadership by sparing the trail,” said Rex Fisher, Lively Omaha’s Advisory Committee Chairman. “It was a difficult decision, but a huge victory for Omaha’s future.”

During Omaha by Design’s “Green Omaha” phase, noted urban planner Jonathan Barnett found that Omaha’s Papio Creek system, and the trails that run along those creeks, is a precious resources the community should preserve and enhance. “The whole Papio system is a tremendous asset that can help provide a distinctive park setting for much of the city,” Barnett said.

The portion of the trail OPPD had considered using has some of the greatest potential for recreation and enhancement, Fisher said. “OPPD’s decision marks the start of a new era,” he added. “Our corporate leaders are now considering Omaha’s physical beauty when making their construction decisions. OPPD and Gary Gates deserve enormous credit for their vision. We’re fortunate to have such a good corporate citizen in OPPD.”

Lively Omaha congratulates Gary Gates and OPPD for leading the way toward great public space and significant contributions to the quality of life in Omaha.