OMAHA, Neb. — Omaha Parks and Recreation released its 2025 annual report Tuesday, with Interim Parks Director Jake Linder calling it “a year of progress and momentum.”
“From new pickleball courts and the Lee Valley sprayground to the long anticipated accessible playground at Zorinsky Lake Park, we continue to invest in spaces that serve residents of all ages and abilities,” Linder said in the report.
Projects and funding
The department operated with a $43.3 million budget in 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year. It employs 163 full-time staff members and 960 seasonal or part-time workers.
Linder highlighted the nearly completed sports and activity complex at Levi Carter Park. The facility will include 14 volleyball courts, 10 basketball courts, four soccer fields, meeting rooms, telehealth rooms, fitness and wrestling spaces, and a computer lab.
The department also has $29.4 million allocated for improvements at Tranquility Park.
At Dahlman Park, a $255,000 project added a new playground and upgraded the basketball court. A replacement sand volleyball court is expected to be completed before summer.
Renovations at Kountze Park, valued at $1.1 million, are scheduled for completion by fall. The upgrades include a new playground and sprayground, along with added walkways, shade structures, picnic tables, and benches.
A $402,000 playground project at Upland Park will feature a swing set, rope tower, spinner, and slackline bridge, along with new benches and concrete repairs. That project is expected to wrap up by late summer.
Additional renovations are underway at Chapel Hill, Churchich, and Greenbriar parks. Playground work is also ongoing at Munnelly and NP Dodge parks. The department also opened two new spraygrounds at Gallagher and Lee Valley parks.
By the numbers
Volunteer participation increased by 18% in 2025, with nearly 6,200 volunteers contributing close to 16,000 hours.
Community centers welcomed nearly 587,000 visitors.
More than 5,800 people took part in citywide sports, including 935 participants on organized teams such as volleyball and basketball.
About 40,000 players used city tennis facilities, taking part in 60 camps, clinics, and leagues.
More than 10,000 skaters visited Motto McLean Ice Arena.
Nearly 1,600 people enrolled in swimming lessons, and 268 lifeguards were part of a returning aquatics staff rate of 64% last year.
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